Pawns of Fate chapter 10 -The Temple of Blood

[Lazarus]

OOC: Preparations can still be made retroactively, and I'll alter this post if needed. But as soon as the initial roleplaying's done (when you head towards the temple) your equipment and spell preparations are set.

Soon after your done preparing your equipment Tytha returns. She's still somber from the funeral but is ready to set out on your next quest. As none of you have offered to be 'altered' for the transport Ten'sing remains behind. You take a full stock of ammo, several days food, camping supplies, and a rope and grapnel.

Irrule makes contact with Lazarus and you set out from Celeste (away from the anti-teleport defenses). When your well clear Lazarus' device is triggered, for most of you the transit is familiar but just as gut wrenching. For Araidin the experience is new and horrifying, it almost feels like you've been twisted inside out, and your soul drifts back from your body...

You all begin to awake sprawled in a clearing, but aside from a mild headache none of you are worse for wear. Lazarus is standing among you, touching each of you with low level Cure and Restoration spells, your lingering pains fade away. "Welcome my friends, I trust the trip wasn't too rough?"

OOC: Xaearth as this is Araidins first meeting with Lazarus I'll re-describe him from your Dwarfs perspective. Lazarus is a human male, dark of hair and light of skin, his age is unclear but you'd guess about 30. You can't gauge his abilities but his robes and armour mark him as a high priest of Palor.

[Nogard]

OOC: Sorry I kept putting this off. Before Leaving Celeste:

Boneclaw pays a visit to Sunduri asking if he can now craft any of the items Boneclaw has learned of which he wants to acquire before thier next mission. If Sunduri is unable to craft the items Boneclaw will talk to Frosrom about the remainder of the list. On a small piece of parchment Boneclaw has listed the names of the items he is interested in:

Periapt of Wisdom +2
Lesser Iron Ward Diamond (MIC 26)
Ring of Mystic Lightning (MIC 126)
Glitter Stone x1 (MIC 161)
50 cel Quartz to use as focus for Icelance Spell

OOC: After teleporting to Lazarus:

"Little rougher than last time, but we'll survive." Boneclaw says as he looks around to ensure Perrin is alright before standing. Waiting patiently for the remainder of the party to regain thier feet Boneclaw asks, "Is this another item retrievel job like the last one?"

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I can craft the periapt, but I'd have to inscribe owl's wisdom into my spellbook, as to the others, I'm not sure, I just started downloading the MIC to check. So if your willing to foot the bill for the owl's wisdom(100 cels) I could make the periapt for half price. So it would cost 2100 for me to craft it(100 to borrow scroll, inscribing spells is free for me now, and 2000 for the periapt.) Then I'll eat the 160 xp cost, since it is helping the group.

OOC: I'll get back to you on the other items in 30 mins.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Because Boneclaw has a +1 Wisdom item, you can upgrade that cutting a quarter off the cost, and Boneclaw can assist during the crafting to provide the spell and any other spells on his list but not yours.

OOC: I'm not sure if Andy noticed the earlier discussion about crafting back before he joined this site, there's still the side matter of upgrading his dex item if he agrees, it should be the same cost as the Int upgrade you did for yourself. And Cat's Grace is on Andy's spell list so he can assist the same as Boneclaw.

OOC: I think assisters can eat half of the xp cost (not sure on that)?

[Lazarus]

OOC: After teleporting to Lazarus:

"Little rougher than last time, but we'll survive." Boneclaw says as he looks around to ensure Perrin is alright before standing. Waiting patiently for the remainder of the party to regain their feet Boneclaw asks, "Is this another item retrieval job like the last one?"

"Yes there is an old temple nearby which has been abandoned for centuries, perhaps over a millennia. At it's core is an artifact, a Goblet that produces blood when it is tipped. I want that artifact but I cannot approach the temple, wards bar me from approach in any manner."

[Lazarus]

OOC: I tracked down the rule and according to the core rules the crafter has to pay the entire xp cost, but the same source (on the WotC site) had this to say:

A Completely Unofficial Rule: Cooperative Item Creation
As noted back in Part One, more than one character can cooperate in the creation of an item, with each participant providing one or more of the prerequisites. According to the rules, however, XP costs cannot be shared. One character must shoulder the XP burden alone.
If players in your game are avid magic item creators, you might want to experiment with shared XP costs. You can allow characters who work together on a magic item to divide up the XP cost any way they like. To share the cost, a character must provide at least one of the item's prerequisites. Any division of the XP cost is possible, provided that all the creators agree to the scheme.
If you have the kind of campaign in which some of your players pester the others to make magic items for them, you might want to allow any character to share the XP cost to make an item. An XP donor must be present each day during the item's creation (or at least when work begins on the item each day). Allow the XP donation to be strictly voluntary -- it doesn't work if the donor is magically charmed or compelled, or if the donor is bullied or intimidated into contributing. On the other hand, allowing evil spellcasters to force XP from unwilling victims might just add the right touch of nastiness to dark fantasy campaigns.

OOC: I'll go with a variant of that, assistants can pay up to half the xp (the crafter has to pay at least half), assistants have to contribute to the crafting to offer xp, and feats such as the feat that reduces the xp requirement of crafting don't work when assistants are paying part of the xp cost. -the dm has spoken

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Cat grace is also on my spell list, so either way it works well. If people want to eat half the xp cost, that would be great.

OOC: I can create the glitterdust stone if your willing to fork an additional 100 cels for me to inscribe glitterdust into my spellbook. (Would cost 325, but any subsequent craftings would only cost 225).

OOC: The diamond requires craft magic arms and armor, so I can't do that(But maybe our new dwarf can)
OOC: The ring requires craft ring, so that is also out.

[Anduril]

OOC: Sure I'll upgrade my dex item, and shoulder as much of the xp burden as I can.

"What's so special about this blood. I'd gladly spare some of my own for this price and save ourselves some time," Anduril says with a sarcastic grin.

[Lazarus]

"The blood is endless, the artifact tipped some centuries past and has been pouring ever since. Gathering such a ready and endless supply of blood is usually much more sinister, otherwise if the lore is correct it has the same properties as fresh Human blood."

[Tiblorian]

If there is still additional time in Celeste, Sunduri would like two craft two inexpensive items with his remaining funds.

Dispeling cord(MIC pg 94) (500 gp 40 xp)
Chronogram of the grand master (MIC pg 86) (250 gp 20 xp)

Sunduri spends eight hours a day working on the party's various magical aparati, while taking several hours break to hone his prowess with the bow, as well as his other skills. The elf still devotes a large portion of his time to his secluded studies in his room.

Apon Tytha's return, Sunduri solemnly offers her his condolences, then prepares his equipment for the service Lazarus requested of the group.

Once the group teleports to Lazarus's location, Sunduri warmly greets Lazarus, "The teleportation spell was not as harsh as before, in any case, we are most eager to help you retrieve this somewhat grisly artifact, is there anything in particular we should know before we enter into this temple? What should we expect to find inside. An excess of blood does not tend to invite the most cheerful of company, and I would prefer we be best prepared for our excursion into this temple. How quickly is this blood flowing out? Will we have to swim through large quantities of it?"

[Lazarus]

"I haven't been close enough to the temple to tell you much. I believe the temple once held the worship of a god of light, not unlike Palor but I suspect the god is dead or long since forgotten. A stream leading away from the temple carries spoiled water, that and the rich plant growth clued me to the tipped goblet. I've seen Dire Rats around the entrance, if there's other life it never leaves, which is quite possible with that blood supply."

[Nogard]

OOC: I would be happy to assist with the crafting and XP costs. Where are the prices for +1,3, and 5 Periapts? My DMG only shows the even bonuses.

"I do hope this mission is as interesting as the last job you had for us Lazarus. Without the loss of a party member this time though."

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Its bonus squared times 1000, so +1 is 1000, +2 is 4000, +3 is 9000, +4 is 16000, +5 is 25000. So from +1 to +2 would be 3000 celestials, or 1500 if crafted (with a 3000/25 = 120xp total xp cost).

[Xaearth]

After meeting his new team of fellow adventurers, Araidin spends most of his time left in Celeste devoted to prayer, medidation, and practice of his craft. Shortly before the group is scheduled to depart, the smith spends most of the day polishing and reworking the fine details of his equipment. Blood will be spilled in the coming days, and his finely wrought gear will shine in the thick of it.

When the day finally comes, Araidin follow his fellow adventurers with a bit of apprehension. After all, teleportation wards were placed around Celeste for a reason.
The shock of experiencing this odd form of teleportation leaves Araidin in a semi-conscious state for several long moments. While Lazarus greets his companions and begins to explain the mission, Araidin finds himself unable to speak for some time.

Finally, Araidin abruptly shouts, "Moradin reforge my soul, what in bloody hell was that?" The interruption startles the group, but before anyone can speak the dwarf raises a hand. "No no, I was quite fully aware of what you were saying... It just... seemed like... like a hinge in my jaw rusted over and the inner workins between my noggin and me tongue had a screw loose."

OOC: That's my fancy roleplaying way of saying some moron ran into a telephone poll and caused some power and internet issues the past day :D.

"Well, anyways, I'm in one piece, so I suppose it's good to be meetin ya Lazarus. But this mission... Blood?" Araidin spits. "An artifact that so readily supplies blood seems a vile sort... I get the feeling that we're about to be boundin headlong into somethin far bigger than us..."

OOC: I've hinted a bit in Araidin's initial roleplaying that he has a slight conflict between his devotion for Tharmetkhûl and his duty to Moradin, stemming from a cataclysmic event in his past that caused him to be directly called to serve Moradin. In the recent downtime I described above, I tossed around the idea of Moradin having a go-between spirit celestial person-thingy (ok, me forget what they're called :p ... petitioner is it?) to ensure that Araidin's service to him does not go awry (Araidin not being a direct devotee of Moradin, and thus not as well versed in Moradin's wishes as one of his priests would be). Such celestial-person thingy would not fight or interfere in any way with the party other than a bit of conversation, some roleplaying (came up with a nice way to enlighten the party a bit about Araidin's past), some spiritual guidance at times (at dm's discretion), and some comic relief :D. Essentially what I've got in mind is a "reforged" (in the sense of Moradin being the forger of dwarven souls) duergar petitioner who serves solely as one of Moradin's special messengers.

OOC: Just seems like a duergar who likes to poke fun at Araidin, tease him for keeping his devotion to the demigod, and yet could serve a purpose to add interesting tidbits to the story and roleplaying... sounds like a fun idea :). But I leave that up to you.

[Lazarus]

OOC: My paperwork is still pretty slack, but for now I'll just list what's probobly the most important bit of party information:

Araidin: 87hp
Anduril: 67hp
Boneclaw: 59hp
Sunduri: 46hp
Shannon: 151hp
Tytha: 58hp
Perrin: 64hp
Mel'telpe: 14hp
Bixby: 23hp

OOC: Becouse the gods have such a keen interest in this group, divine intervention can happen. So far their lack of active faith has mostly kept it as a non issue, but I suspect that may change with an actual Cleric in the team. Gods, events, or representatives of the gods may appear to aid the party if called on, but there is a risk the opposition may intervene, partly for this reason casual encounters with the higher powers are unlikely.

Lazarus turns his attention to Araidin. "I apologise again for the rough transport, as a Cleric I don't have any teleportation spells to bridge such a distance for so many, I instead use an artifact which employs an 'unusual' magic." Addressing his doubts. "Few artifacts are inately evil, it comes down to the use their put to. I can assure you I'll be putting it to a peaceful use."

"We should get underway while the days still young, the temple is a quarter hour from here." Lazarus leads you along a path cut though dense humid brush, none of you recognise the trees and undergrowth your moving through. Eventually he stops and points ahead to a structure concealed by trees and vines, you can just see an entrance and some of you spot a rat moving inside. "This is as far as I can go. There are no windows, and I think it only has a single level. I've found very little lore so that is all I can say."

OOC: You can see the outer dimensions for yourselves. The temple is is a square 170ft by 170ft but the walls curve so there is only 150ft between the corners. The ceiling above the entrance is 10ft high but the roof curves up to the same degree as the walls. About 50ft to the side of the entrance a stream issues out thru a breach in the wall, the water stinks even from a distance and you can hear the buzz of insects.

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri unsheathes his bow and says, "No time better than the present, we may as well get this grisly business over with before nightfall."

[Nogard]

As the group is lead along the path by Lazarus Boneclaw continously scans the surrounding foliage, "I've never seen plants such as these. Lazarus you sure do have a knack for finding interesting items and locations."

[Xaearth]

Araidin scans the surroundings, then focuses on the structure before him.

"Something... is not quite right here." The dwarf glances about uneasily. "You did say this artifact was tipped ages past and continues to spill its blood? Yet the water, though foul, remains unstained... Perhaps we should investigate that stream. It may give us some clue as to the inhabitants we may run across within."

[Tiblorian]

"Perhaps the blood spills very slowly, or perhaps, something has been eating it... In any case, the water is as good of place as any to begin."

[Lazarus]

As the group is lead along the path by Lazarus Boneclaw continously scans the surrounding foliage, "I've never seen plants such as these. Lazarus you sure do have a knack for finding interesting items and locations."

"We're on the southern side of Varell these are jungle plants. I doubt much of the local plant life could survive winters in the colder lands your used to."

Araidin scans the surroundings, then focuses on the structure before him.

"Something... is not quite right here." The dwarf glances about uneasily. "You did say this artifact was tipped ages past and continues to spill its blood? Yet the water, though foul, remains unstained... Perhaps we should investigate that stream. It may give us some clue as to the inhabitants we may run across within."

"The blood is already rank where it exits, I think it dilutes heavily with a waterflow somewhere inside."

[Anduril]

Anduril quitly takes note of his surroundings and the others comments but remains silent and thoughtful.

[Tiblorian]

"Will untipping the goblet stop its flow of blood?"

[Lazarus]

"Will untipping the goblet stop its flow of blood?"

"I certainly hope so!" With that said (assuming there are no more questions) you set off ahead. Moving closer to the stream you can see that where the water pours from the building looks to be too small a breach to enter by. The smell (far worse than the smell of driving past a meatworks if any of you have experienced such) and the swarms of insects make a close inspection seem risky, your already warding off mosquito bites.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood01.jpg

OOC: What's your plan of approach?

[Xaearth]

OOC: :eek: That's bringing back memories of a fairly large man who dropped his shorts in the middle of the campground when he realized he had toilet paper stuck to his posterior.

"Hrmph. Well, as much as I prefer to be the one spillin blood, I suppose it's better than our own. Still, not too often do hospitable creatures take residence in a den filled with blood... And the thought of creatures eating it? 'Tis a vile thing to eat blood..."

Araidin turns to Lazarus. "Might I ask how you came to know of such a place? If others know of it, if others have come before us... It is quite possible we may face their grisly remains."

Araidin grips his warhammer tightly and clenches his fist over the battered symbol of Tharmekhûl imblazoned on the breast of his armor. The hammer and armor seem to glow with their maker's fury. He lets out a tremendous cry, "All ye fiends that disgrace the memory of the dead to further your own agenda, let man, beast, and god alike know this: You face the wrath of Araidin Alkbir, Bloodsmith of Tharmekhûl, Keeper of the Forge! By the power of Moradin's hammer, I shall destroy all those who dare desecrate the work of the Soul-Forger with their vile necromancy!"

OOC: Hmm... undead get Araidin riled up? Wonder if that has anything to do with his past... ;)

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri covers his nose in disgust, murmuring, "At least you seem to enjoy the atmosphere," to his frog who seems to be happily content to eat the buzzing mosquitoes. Sunduri calmly notes Araidin's outburst, "Necromancy sickens me no more than you my friend, I have so far gone to swear to never learn even the fringes of its foul magic, however, I think a cautious approach through the main entrance may be best. We should be wary of any traps, however I would deduce that the blood spoiled river would be a beacon to foul monsters, and our safest bet would be through the front."

[Lazarus]

Araidin turns to Lazarus. "Might I ask how you came to know of such a place? If others know of it, if others have come before us... It is quite possible we may face their grisly remains."

From behind you Lazarus replies with doubt in his voice. "It took me years to find out about this place, months to track it down, and weeks to carve the clearing and pathways you've seen. Perhaps you'll find remains of previous explorers or the preists who once worshiped here, but I believe any bodies you find will be long dead. This temple was not covered in jungle when it was in use, nature has reclaimed the land since man last walked here."

[Lazarus]

OOC: I'm not sure why Rommalb hasn't posted in so long, perhaps he somehow missed that chapter 10 is underway. I'll submit a message to the yahoo group just incase he has missed the restart. In the meantime I'll assume Shannon is in the lead unless Sunduri or Andy suggest moving ahead in stealth?

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I had to change my spell list slightly. I had forgotten to make one of my third level spells an evocation, so I swapped slow out for fireball.

?If Sir Shannon is willing to lead, I shall follow in his footsteps." Sunduri follows shortly behind Shannon, ready to cast transmutations upon him at a moments notice, loosely holding his lightly glowing rapier in his hand.

[Anduril]

"If it is ok with the group I'll sneak ahead as we have done in times past."

[Lazarus]

The party stay away from the entrance while Anduril stealths up from the side. A pair of dog sized rats run past him, but he pushes into the vines on the walls and they scamper right past his ankles unaware. Moving again he gets a look inside the entrance, the inside has a glow too dull to see from a distance, but it gives his elven eyes a clearer view.
The rats are rife within and the floors are thick with muck, the glow is coming through the grime on the ceiling. Not far in a door ends the passage and open routes lead left and right. When Andy sees a gap in the vermin traffic he moves furthur in glancing down the side passages, but he's forced to fall back as another rat (as big as a man) passes by. What he did see was Dire Rat nests, Andy knows little about animals (no Knowledge Nature) but he does know Dire means a fight. His last glance down the left and right passage brought the number of known rats to over a dozen.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood02.jpg
OOC: I can't draw very good smilies on this scale paper, Araidin has a helm to distinguish him from Boneclaw. Xaearth you can make a smiley request as long as it's easy enough for me to draw.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: So all of the rats are inside the temple?

Whispering quietly the wizard outlines his plan, "Standing here I could fill those corridors with fire or webs quite easily," and then we could proceed inside with the multitude of the rats dead or disabled."

[Lazarus]

OOC: Most of them are inside, but mostly down the side passages. Remember that webs will hamper party members as much (or more) than the rats if you web where characters need to walk.

[Xaearth]

Araidin whispers in reply, "Your idea is sound, but we likely don't want to risk the chance of getting caught up in the webs ourselves, or worse, catching the nesting material on fire and smoking everything in there out on us. Perhaps we could lure them out somehow and ambush them?"

OOC: Smiley eh? Hmm... does it have to be a... erm... smiley smiley? :D With the number of faces growing and a relatively small medium you're drawing on, perhaps it would be better to use a symbol to represent me to cut down on the amount of detail. Mebbe a hammer with flames coming from the head (symbol of ... erm... aww heck I'm tired of copy pastin that name, whenever he's mentioned in OOC I'll just call him Tharmy :D). Otherwise, a braided beard (if it's not too difficult) might work (easier to keep out of the way when you're smithing ;)).

[Tiblorian]

"The fire would serve to flush them out, it should not be difficult to hold the small entrance against the rats, what I worry is if we get surrounded, were their huge numbers and diseased bites could cause us worry. I do agree that most likely fire would be much better than webs, perhaps the best idea would be to first gather at the entrance, if the rats rush us initially, we should be able to stem their numbers."

[Lazarus]

OOC: Here's an image I drew back at the start of chapter 4, it should give a better idea of what I meant by smilies, perhaps avatars would be a more appropriate term. I usually use a larger scale graph paper (10mm) than I've been using for the Temple of Blood (5mm), but the larger scale has a 95ft limit, the smaller grid allows for 195ft layouts. I'll probobly switch to the 10mm for interior combat maps.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/7pawns.jpg

OOC: I think I haven't used coloured maps since about than.

OOC: Facial features vary according to the situation, except for Sunduri who always grins (running gag).

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I'm really slow...I JUST realized that that is Boneclaw's beard, not a bandit mask. >_>

[Xaearth]

OOC: Ok, well, dwarf with reddish-brown (if you go back to colored maps in the future) long hair (shoulder length for the character, just realizing I kinda sorta never really gave a full word image of my characters :o, but for the smiley just showing he has hair at all as opposed to poor boneclaw :D) and a braided beard of the same color if that'd work. I'd prefer to stay away from the short chubby bald guy persona that too many dwarves bring to the table :p.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Beard with hair sounds simple enough, I think the braids would be a bit finicky when I'm erasing and redrawing on recycled maps. I'll experiment when I get back (heading to Nelson shortly), usually I check the forums while I'm at Thedeads house but he just called to say something to do with his motherboard has crapped out? So I'll probobly be incommunicado for about 24 hours.

[Nogard]

Boneclaw appears to have a far-off look on his face as the party disucsses the plan of attack. Waiting for a break in the others conversation Boneclaw says "If some of your concerns of undead are true we may be best served saving your fire spells. I may be able to produce an alternative with my poison vines spell though. It should affect a large enough area, can hamper enemy movement if we need it too, and I can make us immune to the effects of the poison."

OOC: If I am reading the spell description correctly it should cover a 90 ft. radius. If it is cast centered on the junction it should cover the hallways with poisonious heavy undergrowth (that can later be changed to give a +4 bonus to hide checks for the party).

[Tiblorian]

The wizard listens attentively to Boneclaw adding, "If your druid spells can produce such an entanglement which we could walk through unhindered, then that would appear to be the most efficient plan."

OOC: Wow, 90foot radius, is HUGE.

[Anduril]

"Once the rats are entangled I can easliy pick them off with my bow."

[Rommalb]

OOC: sorry Laz, Ive been very busy the last couple days and couldnt check up on this. I'll try to catch up now

[Lazarus]

OOC: I had a look at the Poison Vines spell, I think you'll need to move to the junction to direct the spell. But if Shannon moves just ahead of you to behave as a Human Shield (more like a human wall) that should be safe enough. With such vines clogging the corridors only a fraction of the rats will be able to attack. Gotta go feed the chickens so I'll sort it out when I get back. Depending how effective the spell proves to be in practice ('very' seems likely) I may just marmalade the fight, Dire Rats won't be a real threat if they can't attack en-mass, not at your level anyway.

[Lazarus]

You time the attack to start as Shannon hustles to the intersection. Shannon jogs ahead fending off several rat attacks, one of the larger ones manages to bite him (7 damage). Boneclaw moves up behind him, still a few yards back from the intersection. Combined ranged attacks from the rest of the party mop up the rats Shannon's passed but a few new ones move from the corridors to attack (miss, miss, miss) screaming a shrill alert. Shannon cuts down his attackers. Boneclaw moves up and casts the Poison Vines spell sending growth to choke the corridor to both sides. Anduril moves up to the intersection sinking 2 arrows into one of 2 medium rats that are moving thru the vines, all the smaller rats have been swamped or are fleeing to the side rooms. Those 2 rats move up one attacks shannon, the other Andy (both miss). Hacks, slashes, and arrows from the party put down the 2 attacking rats and a couple of stray small ones. A few more rats brave the vines, Andy shoots down most of them but one of the larger ones is still moving towards Shannon. 5 more small rats start towards you, the larger one attacks Shannon (miss). While Shannon fights the last medium rat Andy and Sunduri shoot 4 more of the approaching small ones. Boneclaw gets a small rat bite (2 damage), and another small one moves into the corridor. Shannon cuts down his attacker, Boneclaw stabs his, and Andy picks off the last one.

The attacks stop, any remaining Rats are staying in their nests. You've slain or knocked out 16 Dire Rats and 4 medium dire rats.

Boneclaw: 2 damage
Shannon; 7 damage

The door ahead has no lock and no apparent traps so someone opens it (just skipping this door check etc here for progression speed). Another wide mucky corridor leads ahead strewn with wood fragments, and a pile of debree marks a T junction ended with another huge door. The ceiling in here is a little cleaner and you can see the whole roof has a subtle magical glow, bright enough for Shannon to see by. The stink of rotten blood is stronger here (not covered by the smell of rats) and you can taste it in the air.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood03.jpg
OOC: The party hasn't progressed past where there marked, I'm not sure if you want to bother checking the rat nest areas.

[Xaearth]

"Well that wasn'too bad. That vine spell was pretty handy there. Question is, do we clear out the rest of these buggers and risk tickin off bigger ones? Or do we go forward and risk runnin into em on our way out or even flanked? Well I suppose we could probly close the door behind us and keep the pests from comin after us."

Araidin quickly checks Shannon and Boneclaw's wounds. "They didn't get ya with any infections did they?"

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri fires a succession of arrows at the attacking rats, admiring the nimbleness of his aim with his new gloves. Grinning, the wizard shouts, (elven) "You should slow down Anduril, or there shall be no rats left for the rest of us."

Sunduri cautiously enters the temple behind Shannon, after a quick inspection of the door reveals no dangers, the wizard encourages Shannon to pry the door open, retaking his position behind the heavily armored human.

Grimacing at the foul smell that wafts from within the hallway, Sunduri takes a moment to compose himself before saying, "I suggest we save the rats nest for later, retrieving the artifact and completing our mission should be our first priority, which if Lazarus's information is correct should be behind that doorway." Motioning to Shannon the wizard pulls a slender rod and a pinch of bull's dung, and casts a now familiar transmutation on Shannon which causes his muscles to bulge. "This transmutation should last for the remainder of our excursion, and shall help ward us from misfortune." Listening to Araidin's suggestion, Sunduri agrees that closing the door should prevent the scared rats from bother them.

OOC: Extended(rod) bull's strength on Shannon. (18 mins)

[Xaearth]

"Hrmm... Well, I see your rod, and raise you a blessing!"
Araidin pulls out his own Lesser Rod of Metamagic Extend and calls upon divine power to increase the group's morale.

OOC: That's 14 mins of Bless on party. :p

[Rommalb]

"thank you good wizard and cleric, I for one always enjoy a good magical assistance in a fight. Do you have anything else with which to enchant us or should we progress deeper into this foul place?"

[Lazarus]

OOC: Boneclaw and Andy may object to the idea of destroying more Dire Rats for no reason, while they may be primal and territorial they are a natural species.

[Tiblorian]

ooc: were'd my post go????

"I can cast this weak abjuration upon you Sir Shannon," the wizard says briefly touching the knight's armor and whispering under his breath, "But, besides that, all I have left is a transmutation of speed, which will not last a full two minutes, so I shall save it for the heat of battle. I suggest we proceed down the corridor before the transmutations and abjurations of Araidan and myself wear out, this smell is disturbing Bixby, and I would prefer this grisly business completed at once."

Motioning for Shannon to lead, Sunduri fastens his bow again to his back, and after putting a reassuring hand on his frog, pulls his faintly glowing rapier from a sheathe at his side, keeping the slender rod loosely held in his left hand.

OOC: Assuming the group proceeds, I'll check that next door for traps and what not just to be certain :P

[Lazarus]

When Shannon steps past the door (3rd square in) a segment of the floor depressed and small shards of wood fire from the walls, Shannon gets struck by 12 of them but only 2 penetrate his armour (11 damage). Shannon manages to step back before more hit him, than the tile rights itself with a slight click and the shards stop.
Tytha uses a Cure Light on Shannon.

Boneclaw: 2 damage
Shannon: 3 damage

[Xaearth]

"Ah... A rain of pointy sticks! Perhaps our tricksy elf friend can find a way to disable the trap? Seems it's tied to a trigger in the floor... If it can't be disabled, we may be able to figure out where the triggers are with something with reach and simply avoid the triggers."

[Nogard]

"As scared as the rats are they will likely leave us be if we close the door behind us as Araidin suggested. We should be able to avoid killing any of the rest. It appears now is as good a time as any to prepare for battle ahead." With that Boneclaw changes form into a wolf that may be a mirror image of Perrin if it weren't for the belt and shirt that didn't change form as well.

Through a series of growls and yips Boneclaw casts a number of spells on himself and Perrin. (Crabwalk, Barkskin, and Greater Magic Fang using companion spellbond to affect both with each spell) Once finished Boneclaw turns to the party and nods his head taking his place at the back of the group with Perrin.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Gah, I should have said the hallway AND the door :P

"I apologize Sir Shannon, I should have notice such a danger, luckily you seem to be no worse for the wear. I will make sure there are no more such obstacles in this hallway, so if you would keep a watch for enemies, I shall see what I can do. Removing his frog from his pocket, the wizard locks eyes with the frog, who then hops several feet away. Sunduri then crouches down, unrolling a strip of leather which several high quality tools are inserted on. Inspecting the tile, the wizard tries to confirm that walking around it would be the easiest way of avoiding it, or perhaps plugging possible holes in the side of the wall, then proceeds to make sure the remainder of the party's path is clear.

OOC: Disable device and search checks, if bypassing a trap works, then there is no need to physically disable it.
OOC: Disable device + 20 (11 ranks + 7 int +2 mw tools) Search + 20 (11 ranks +7 int +2 racial)

[Rommalb]

"No problem, a weak little trap like that will hardly hurt me."

Shannon will wait for me Sun to finish his work on the trap before caustiously moving forward again.

[Anduril]

"I agree with Boneclaw, the rats shouldn't bother us anymore."

"Good thing your're hidding behind all that metal Shannon, that might have hurt more otherwise."

[Lazarus]

Sunduri you don't figure out any method of disabling the trap or even if it's possible, but you do get a good inkling of it's workings. When it's triggered the walls actually grow the wooden shards, the trap is magical in nature. From your crouching position you see that the shards only fire from 2ft to 6ft in height, making it fairly safe to test them. Even through the muck you can tell the tile is 2ft by 2ft. And the middle tile is not the only one that triggers the trap. You find a safe tile to the far left, than another ahead of the one first set off. Further trials show you the next two safe tiles but it's difficult to test them while you're crouching.

OOC: Search and disable checks will get you so far, and you did get a very good search. But your liable to miss the puzzle if you don't roleplay interaction.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood04.jpg

[Lazarus]

OOC: Yes that would hurt much more for a less armoured person, 12x +10 for d4+2 damage spines. I needed 19-20 to hit him, 20 if he was expecting it.

[Tiblorian]

"There appears to be numerous 2 foot square panels which we would have to hop to to navigate this trap. I believe I may have found a pattern to these safe spots. Each row has one safe square, and each consecutive square is two to the right of the previous one, going to the left again when they run out of room. If I am correct, we would have to hop 10 feet to reach the next square, or a frog hopping method. The best way I can think of safely testing this hypothesis is throwing a celestial, to see if it can trigger the trap. Other than that, there is the slightly risky method of having one of our familiars, which could hopefully walk under the trap's danger zone, to test the nearest safe spots, however if for some reason the trap changed in nature, they could be more harmed. If a celestial does not trigger the trap, perhaps instead of a familiar, the armored Shannon could test the nearest of the hopefully safe spots, hopefully being able to dodge the shards if he is expecting their assault.

If possible, Sunduri sees if a celestial will trigger the trap, and if a Celestial will trigger the square, the wizard throws celestials to test the squares he believes are safe.

OOC:Heres a picture(Its a link, so click it), (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/Tiblorian/albumawsome/ithinkigotit.jpg) the red squares are the safe ones I think(Since my roleplaying attempt at explaining it probably failed). What do you guys think?

[Xaearth]

OOC: Looks like what I was thinking, except by "left" you meant "right" :p.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Ooops! Rotated it the wrong direction when I tried to rp it from Sunduri's point of view, went back and edit fixed it.

"Assuming a celestial is likely too small, and animals from my bag of tricks too large, maybe we can throw something like a sword or shoot an arrow to try and push the plates in from afar to test their safeness, as I am wary to put something alive in harms way."

[Xaearth]

"Hrm... I have an idea. Those dire rats are... well... dead right? They might be heavy enough to set off the trap, and I doubt they'd... erm... object. It might not be the most... pleasant... way of figuring out which stones are safe, but it's likely the safest."

[Tiblorian]

"Ahhn yes, excellent idea Araidin, the rats will make much better dummies than our equipment and familiars, perhaps Anduril, with his elven training can throw the rats with the most accuracy. It should only take a tile or two to confirm my hypothesis, and then we could safely proceed to the next room. If Boneclaw's druidic beliefs would not cause him upset at using the giant rats' bodies for trap testers, for I would not want to upset him so, as I did at the beginning of our adventures, when some trees unfortunately were between me and the first of the goblin assault parties."

[Lazarus]

A single coin is far from enough weight to motivate the tiles (the thick layer of crud doesn't set them off), but the rat bodies are heavy enough. Your guess for the 5th layer proves correct, but when Andy tosses a rat to where you indicate on the sixth layer it sets off the trap. Your thinking of how to retrieve the rat when the tile clicks back up (you think the trap adjusted to the weight). Furthur rat tosses on the 6th layer reveal no safe tile but you find one on the 7th row (same line as the 4th safe tile). Your running out of rats.

[Lazarus]

Andy tests for a return to your pattern and finds a safe tile, than he tosses a rat to the next guessed safe tile and misses but tile it lands on is safe. (4 rats left if you gather all the defeated small dire rats).

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood05.jpg
OOC: D&D Olympics -The Rat Toss event!

OOC: Considering the size of the rats it's actually a stretch to toss them on single tiles, but it was a good idea, I'm not messing with a good idea.

[Xaearth]

"Hmm... the pattern isn't as simple as it first appeared..."

As he watches the pile of rat bodies grows smaller, Araidin scratches his beard for a minute, then pulls one of the silk ropes out of his pack. "Here, try tying this to the rat. Hold on to one end and we can use it to retrieve the body."

OOC: Woot, methinks I'm in first for the resourcefulness merit badge ;).

[Lazarus]

OOC: You'll need to remove the rat bodies from the safe tiles if you plan to hop-scotch across, otherwise you'll be tripping on rats.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Perhaps Tytha can push them aside with her long spear while balancing on a square?
OOC: Love the picture of andy getting ready to throw a rat XD.
OOC: Last time we get cocky and cast spells ahead of time :P luckily they have such long durations.

Sunduri stares silently at the puzzle, then makes some markings on the wall with his rapier, mumbling quietly to Bixby. "Is the pattern continuous, or is it changing after the line without safe spots, or have the safe spot mearly become lost, and are crucial to the solution. Every safe spot is 3 squares from another safe spot, what could be the connection...."

editOOC: Oops, I didn't meen to post unless I thought of something, I'll just edit this if I think of something.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Remember that Tytha has a strength of 8, lifting weights at odd angles would be difficult for her. Crouching may not be necessary for moving between the tiles you've already identified as safe. Also Boneclaw and Perrin can hunker down and ignore the shards, the 2ft safe zone has been consistent so far.

[Tiblorian]

"Boneclaw, could you have Perrin please retrieve the thrown rats, he should be able go under the traps, I would send Bixby, but he is much to small as is Meltepe. If he can do that, once he returns, Anduril, can you try to throw a rat at the two rightmost squares in the 10th row.

OOC: Incase there is confusion. Link to picture (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/Tiblorian/albumawsome/AndurilTheGreatestRatThrowerInCeles.jpg)
OOC:

[Rommalb]

OOC: doesnt anyone have a 10ft pole? Couldnt we just check for traps as we go or does the whole hallway go off each time?

[Lazarus]

Perrin recovers the rat carcases easily enough, moving back and forth under the popping wall shards. He doesn't seem happy about it but gradually gathers back every body. Andy hurls another rat to the inner of the 2 suggested 10th row tiles, the trap doesn't trigger.

OOC: Enough of the hallway gets triggered that a 10ft pole wouldn't help, besides Ten'sing isn't with you for this chapter and I'm pretty sure noone else is carrying one. I know there are options that have been dismissed or missed, but I'm not gonna give clues.

[Xaearth]

"Hrm... this is taking a bit of time and eating away at the spells we cast earlier. We should continue, but no harm in brainstorming in the meantime eh?"

Araidin thinks for a moment. "Well, continuing with the rat theme, perhaps one of our resident animal handlers could persuade one of the live rats to walk across the floor. They're short enough that they shouldn't be in any danger, and it would be faster. Or we may be able to just crawl across the floor carefully. If I'd prepared myself to manipulate stone, making the walls themselves cover over the sources of the wood spikes might've worked, but, alas, that is not the case."

OOC: Do the spikes come from one wall or both?

[Rommalb]

OOC: If we dont come up with a good plan quick Im just going to Hulk smash my way through and let tytha heal me

[Xaearth]

OOC: You're forgetting that everyone else would have to follow you :hm:.

[Lazarus]

OOC: The spines grow from both walls, and I'm not sure if Minipulate Stone would work here, the walls are obviously worked and enchanted.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: If your guys really want to hurry up, I was trying to figure out the pattern >_>. If someone wants to risk their familiar, we can use them to test the tiles for traps. Then hop across, I just was worried that perhaps there is something that goes across the ground towards the end, which was intended to hurt any who tried to bypass the trap the "easy way" which could injure Perrin. How bout we toss a rat carcass to the furthest square, and if it is safe, then just have Perin check for the safe spots and we can hopscotch across.

[Xaearth]

OOC: Well I believe Lazarus said we would "miss the puzzle" if we skipped roleplay interaction. Interesting choice of words... So perhaps there's something else to this. I was simply tossing around ideas to figure an easier way of solving it, since Lazarus also said there were other ways and he wasn't giving any clues. Not my fault if my ideas smack people in the head...
:rock:

[Lazarus]

OOC: Mkay improvised (-4) unproficient projectiles (-4) thrown the max distance (-10), thrown at small targets. Surprisingly I think Andy can pull that off, noone else could with those penalties.

One, two, three good rat tosses shows the last safe tile, the traps still consistently firing at the same heights.

OOC: You've spent about 9 minutes so far.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood06.jpg
If your getting time conscious rat retrieval from the far end would take 3 rounds per rat even for a wolf, but you've got 12 rats left.

[Lazarus]

OOC: It's rare for me to include traps, I'm aware how much longer they take in a forum context. But traps are a major part of D&D so you'll have to bear with me for this temple.

[Tiblorian]

"Boneclaw, if you could have Perin retrieve that last rat carcass that is covering the safe square, you can leave the other two, and then on his way back check for the remaining safe tiles we can proceed before the remainder of our spells wear off, then those of us that can't crawl under the traps can jump across the safe squares to the other side, as I suspect the heavily armored Shannon will be unable to crawl so low to the ground."

OOC: I don't mind this, I like a chance to get at traps, especially since I have 3 rogue levels ;) I spent about an hour trying to find a pattern once the first one didn't work.

[Nogard]

Looking to Perrin, Boneclaw growls softly in effect telling Perrin to "stay". Careful to avoid the projectiles Boneclaw moves across the floor to retrieve the rat. On the way back he carefully walks aross each tile to allow the party to discern the path across.

[Lazarus]

Two more of the safe tiles show as Boneclaw moves near the far rat carcase but before he can grab it long ropy arms lash out from the debree ahead of him. Boneclaw gets slammed, grabbed, and the limbs start to crush him. Whatever it is is hauling him in to his death (initiative time).

OOC: It surprised the party but I rolled a natural 01 for its initiative so you all get to act before it can try finishing Boneclaw.

Initiative:
Sunduri: 46hp
Shannon: 148/151hp
Tytha: 58hp
Perrin: 64hp
Anduril: 67hp
Araidin: 87hp
Boneclaw: 15/59hp
Creature:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood07.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/enc28pic01.jpg
OOC: Not my best images, I blame blunt pencils.
OOC: I keep forgetting Andy's got tied back hair now, gotta remember to stop drawing it crew cut.

[Rommalb]

"Im afraid puzzles will have to wait for later, see if you can shoot that thing from back here, I'll go free him." Shannon quickly draws his sword and charges across the platform at the beast.

OOC: man, I wish I could be like that rogue in the opening movie of DDO right about now

[Tiblorian]

OOC: It's Boneclaw not Perin in the thing's grasp, right? I also think you gave Boneclaw's damage to Araidin(Wrong dwarf :P).

Sunduri steps in front of Perin(If I can do that without triggering the trap), casting a quick distraction to put the creature of its gaurd, then slams it with two flaming rays of intense heat. "Shannon, try to get across the trap, we should have found all the safe squares by now."

OOC: Distract Assailant -> Sneak Attacked Sudden Maximize Scorching Ray(I think its just 30 feet away from Perin's square. If theres a large chance of missing, you could change it to sudden maximized magic missile.

[Xaearth]

OOC: A few questions: Are the traps still going off from Boneclaw standing there? If not, if someone else were to carelessly set off the trap, would it hurt Shannon and/or Boneclaw standing near the creature? And am I short enough of a dorf to crawl under the trap? ... Me gots an idea :p.

OOC: If all of the above works out so the following actions don't nearly kill Boneclaw and/or Shannon, and you deem this slightly unconventional action suitable and reasonable... :p

At the suprise of the creature grabbing Boneclaw, Araidin shouts, "What the hell is that!" Realizing there's no time to waste with a companion in such danger, Araidin quickly devises a half-arsed plan that will probly end with him in the creature's belly, but he decides to go with it anyways.

Realizing that Perrin is still following his master's orders to stay but obviously distraught over his inability to help his master from the distance, Araidin cautiously ties one end of the rope he'd removed from his pack earlier to Perrin's collar. He's not sure if the animal understands Araidin's idea; he's hoping either he can put it together or Boneclaw can get the message to him.

Araidin then unstraps his shield, takes a running leap off the nearest safe tile with his shield in both of his hands, and uses the shield to slide on the muck when he lands on the floor. (If he doesn't make it all the way across in the initial slide) Araidin crawls forward in the muck with his heavily armored belly supported on the shield. Upon reaching Boneclaw, he ties the other end of the rope to the shifted dwarf's belt. (OOC: changed this crazy idea a few seconds after typing it all out when I realized animate rope could do the same thing...)

Aradin gives the rest of the coiled rope to Anduril and tells him to throw it to Boneclaw. (OOC: My dex sucks, so I doubt I'd make the touch attack roll) Once the rope is near Perrin, Araidin uses his mastery of artifice to animate the rope and commands it to tie itself to the shifted dwarf's belt.

Araidin turns and shouts at the wolf, "PULL!" with no idea whether the creature will understand or not...

Edit: OOC: Ah well, was a good idea, but Perrin didn't make the roll to stay put it looks :p.

[Lazarus]

OOC: The trap stopped after the creature grabbed Boneclaw.

OOC: Tibby you decided not to take Sudden Maximise, I have Elven Spell Lore listed o your character specs as our 9th level feat.

Sunduri moves to the first safe tile and Blasts the creature with a Scorching Ray (the distraction isn't necessary becouse it's grappling), he does less damage than he expected.

OOC: Ooo Shannons gonna be fun! Chargings not possible becouse of moving past party members. Intelligence check to remember the safe spottes, barely passes (noones marked them). No way you can make any running jumps so all the jump dc's are doubles (wouldn't be an issue if Shannons jump wasn't -3).

Shannon starts double moving across the trap, surprisingly he remembers the right safe tiles and manages to keep to them for most of the way (saving Sunduri from d12, 2d12, or 3d12 projectiles). But he lands short on his longest jump, all the shards that fly at him bounce, but 2 pierce Boneclaw (held in the air as the creatures pulling him in), and one pierces the creatures limbs. Shannon triggers another tile as he gets his balance adjacent to the creature. Three more spines bounce of Shannon, a single shard knocks out Boneclaw, and one shard pierces the creature while 2 more bounce.

Tytha is unable to help without risking triggering the trap, she waits and hopes.

Perrin fails to restrain his urge to help, but does manage to remember and hop between the safe tiles. He stops at the safe tile 10ft away from the creature. (some tough rolls for an Animal to remember the safe tiles and not trigger the trap.

Anduril shoots 3 arrows into the creature, the first 2 hit and the creature slumps dropping Boneclaw right across 2 of the trap tiles. Eleven more shards bounce off Shannon before the trap resets.

Initiative:
Araidin: 87hp
Boneclaw: -4/59hp
Creature: -dying
Sunduri: 46hp
Shannon: 148/151hp
Tytha: 58hp
Perrin: 64hp
Anduril: 67hp

[Xaearth]

OOC: So... Is Araidin too chubby to crawl on the floor? With a less than desirable jump and balance I doubt I'd make it across the tiles :D. If not, I think I vote for the Indiana Jones style running jump onto the shield-sled idea :D. That is assuming boneclaw is on the floor and won't get whacked of course xD.

[Rommalb]

OOC: Actually Laz, the point was not to try jumping from tile to tile, it was to just reach the creature right away and damn the damage to get there. However, I wasnt sure if boneclaw would still be in the traps range so I guess its a good thing I hit as many safe tiles as possible

[Lazarus]

OOC: The problem with trying to slide is with the tiles depressing you would catch the lip of the next tile. Crawling won't be easy or pleasant in Battleplate, but it's not impossible. Taking your time you could make it most of the way across stepping between safe tiles than crawl the remainder, you need to wait till Sunduri and Shannon are out of harms way regardless.

OOC: I'm gonna advance things a little to make this simpler.

Araidin hesitates not wanting to pincushion Sunduri.

Sunduri steps back from the trap.

Shannon gets hit by 4 more shards as he drags Boneclaw clear, and he spots a large lever around the corner. Perrin leaps after them.

OOC: Initiative is hardly necessary now, but I need to keep track of Boneclaws bleeding.

Initiative:
Anduril: 67hp
Araidin: 87hp
Boneclaw: -5/59hp
Creature: -knocked out
Sunduri: 46hp
Shannon: 132/151hp
Tytha: 58hp
Perrin: 64hp

[Lazarus]

OOC: Actually Laz, the point was not to try jumping from tile to tile, it was to just reach the creature right away and damn the damage to get there. However, I wasnt sure if boneclaw would still be in the traps range so I guess its a good thing I hit as many safe tiles as possible

OOC: It was more Sunduri I was protecting by having you keep to the safe tiles, besides you couldn't reach the creature in a single move action. The damage you did to Boneclaw by accident was theoretically a good thing, if Andy had failed to drop the creature it would have dropped Boneclaws limp form to attack you, but if he was still conscious it could have done another 6d6+17 probobly killing him. Andy's attacks only dropped it to -4 so it would still be fighting if the trap hadn't hit it a few times.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I'll happily take elven spell lore, I thought there was a prerequisite problem so I sent you a pm a while back, but I'm pretty confusing and scatterbrained at times, so elven spell lore it is :P.

Picking up Bixby Sunduri mumbles, "I sure made a mess of that situation."

[Xaearth]

OOC: Ok, that works :D.

Once everyone's clear Araidin attempts to make his way across the trap to tend to Boneclaw's injuries.

OOC: Once he reaches Boneclaw, Araidin will spontaneously cast Cure Moderate Wounds on him. Which reminds me, do I get to choose which spell I convert or is it random? Doesn't matter either way, just something that slips me mind xD.

Edit: OOC: What kinda creature was that anyways? Looked like a Mindflayer Pancake crossbred with an Ootyugh in the drawing :p.

[Tiblorian]

"Araidin, if you cannot get across the trap quick enough to save Boneclaw, I can give you the ability to fly for a short time, as I have this scroll found on a goblin."

[Xaearth]

"That should not be necessary. Boneclaw is hurt, but it does not yet appear to be dire. If worse comes to worse, I'll shield myself and sprint across... that should deflect some of the spikes, and I've got enough life in me to take a few hits."

[Rommalb]

OOC: you know, if you really want to save boneclaw without hurting anyone and doing it quick like, Im carrying potions :D

[Lazarus]

OOC: Boneclaws not in serious danger yet.

Araidin steps his way over to the last easy tile (where Perrin stopped before) kneeling down beside a rat carcase.

OOC: I'll wait for Shannons next action to see if he pulls the lever, or he could feed a healing potion to Boneclaw?

Initiative:
Shannon: 132/151hp
Tytha: 58hp
Perrin: 64hp
Anduril: 67hp
Araidin: 87hp
Boneclaw: -6/59hp
Creature: -knocked out
Sunduri: 46hp

[Nogard]

OOC: DAMN IT! Just occured to me I could have used air walk on Shannon and made him do the dangerous stuff. Glad I decided not to allow Perrin to go instead though. Nice trap by the way.

[Lazarus]

OOC: The creature wasn't part of the trap it was/is a Shambling Mound that's been living here for a long time. It had been sitting watching while you tested out the trap. Here's a peek at what it was thinking. "<..I see food! Food not like sharp things... ...huh? Food throwing food... ...food getting food? COME CLOSER FOOD!!! ... ...food throwing food again, throwing close enough to eat! No no I wait meybe food fetch food again, I get bigger food, fresh food, live foood... ..mmmm foood.. ...food comes! ..closer.. ..CLOSER... ...GOTCHA FOOD!>"

[Rommalb]

Shannon will give Boneclaw a potion first to be on the safe side, then pull the lever

[Lazarus]

Shannon feeds Boneclaw a cure light potion, it's not enough to return him to consciousness but his wounds stop bleeding. Araidin starts crawling across the last 10ft of trap tiles, shards pinging overhead. Shannon moves around the corner and pulls the lever, a ctunk ctunk ctunk noise starts spreading down the corridor and the tiles Araidin's kneeling on click up stopping the trap. The lever ticks as it slowly starts returning to an upright position. Tytha starts walking cautiously over, none of the tiles sink underfoot.

Shannon: 132/151hp
Boneclaw: -3/59hp stable
Creature: -knocked out

[Anduril]

"Is anyone oppesed to me finishing off this creature?"

If no one says anything, Anduril will draw his rapier and stab it.

OOC: I hope I can hit an unconsious critter.

[Rommalb]

"I would prefer we leave a disabled opponent as it is, there is no glory in slaying the incapacitated, but if you truly feel you must the go ahead."

OOC: Laz, Im going to be out of town till late Sunday so just marmalade through me for now. If I get any internet in the hotel I'll try to swing by

[Lazarus]

OOC: I'll let Tytha handle the healing, it's her specialty after all.

Tytha uses the rest of her Cure Light Spells, another from her Pearl of Power, and her 4 Cure Minor spells healing all of Shannon and Boneclaws wounds. (presumably) You all move past the trap before the lever resets.

Sunduri checks the adjacent door and finds it's securely locked, it has a strange locking mechanism, both a key and some kind of magic are required to open it. On the right of the door is a large chamber (70ft/45ft), much of the room is obscured by piles of waste (the smell is particularily bad) but a large table is barely visible in the midst of the chamber. On the right of the door a wide corridor turns off to 2 side passages (10ft opening than 5ft opening) the meatworks stink of rancid blood is strong that way.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood08.jpg

[Nogard]

Nodding in thanks to Tytha, Boneclaw rises to his feet and catches the odors coming from the adjoining areas. A look crosses his face that makes it apparent he is regretting wildshaping into an animal with such a good nose. He however waits patiently watching the party decide which way to go.

[Anduril]

"I'd prefer that it not suffer," Anduril remarks as he drives his rapier into it's head.

After coming to the intersection he then asks, "Should we check the table for anything of intrest?"

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Sorry I've been out of town the last few days.

"Hmmm, I disagree Anduril, I feel that anything relating to obtaining the artifact would be towards the smell of blood, not away from it."

[Rommalb]

"I agree with Anduril, if for naught else than the fact that room is closed off. Better to completely search one area before moving onto another with even more possible exits"

[Lazarus]

You start working your way across the room, avoiding the manure piles as best you can. the light is dim from the crud coating the ceiling and the air is thick with the odor, but you reach the edge of the table. Aside from the crap you havent seen anything other than the bare table, there are no chairs. As you round the table Andy spots something small glowing on the far wall. Before you can cross to examine the glow Andy and Sunduri catch movement from atop the table, part of a poop pile bellows and moves towards you, it looks like a brown blob with thorny ended tentacles and a huge maw with razor sharp teeth. Three more of them are moving to attack the party.

Surprise Round initiative:
Anduril:
Creatures 01-04:
Sunduri:

Initiative:
Shannon/Tytha:
Araidin:
Anduril:
Creatures 01-04:
Boneclaw/Perrin:
Sunduri:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/enc29pic01.jpg

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri notices some of the crud moving, shouting in alarm and pulling a rotten egg from a pocket, grimacing momentarily at the smell, Sunduri crushes it in his fist, and points towards the monsters muttering under his breathe, conjuring thick murky green clouds among the monsters, taking a small step to the side(right), shouting, "What in Correlen's name are those things?"

OOC: Link to picture of area, (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/Tiblorian/albumawsome/OneStinkyCloud.jpg) (This should hit three of the stink monsters?) I miss drew the lines on the left, they should end at the wall....

OOC: Sorry, my internet has been acting up recently, so I haven't been on, all should be good now....I hope.

[Lazarus]

OOC: I guess I should marmalade Andy, I think his issue of only being able to post on the weekend has begun?

Anduril fires 3 arrows at the creature on the table (#1), the first 2 sink in.

It responds by attacking Boneclaw (miss, miss, miss). The other nearby creature (#2) steps closer and lands a tentacle attack on Boneclaw, the tentacle holds and begins constricting as it drags him towards its mouth. The other 2 trot closer, the nearer of the 2 (#3) strikes Andy with a tentacle, Andy blocks its attempt to grab him.

Sunduri casting defensively (2 of them can reach you if you didn't) sends a stinking cloud roiling over 3 of the creatures.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Tytha:
Araidin:
Anduril: 6 damage
Creature #01: -injured -nauseated
Creature #02: (grabbing Boneclaw)
Creature #03: -nauseated
Creature #04:
Boneclaw: 7 damage (grabbed by creature #2) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri:

OOC: The nauseation won't last long, these creatures live in and eat crap (or anything else) they should probably be immune to stomach distress going by their discription. But I'm letting those that fail their saves be affected briefly because there is no such immunity listed.

[Rommalb]

Shannon will move up and try to attack the creature grappling boneclaw

[Lazarus]

#4 swipes at Shannon as he moves to aid Boneclaw, Shannons blow strikes true. (I'm not sure if I should penalise you one of your Knights Challenges becouse you're attacking a flat-footed opponent? I'm not sure if the flat-footed from grapple should apply against your Knights Code?)

Initiative: -party is blessed
Araidin:
Anduril: 6 damage
Creature #01: -injured -nauseated
Creature #02: -injured (grabbing Boneclaw)
Creature #03: -nauseated
Creature #04:
Boneclaw: 7 damage (grabbed by creature #2) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri:
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Tytha:

[Nogard]

Growling at the creature holding him Boneclaw and Perrin both bite at the tentacle wrapped around Boneclaw.

OOC: Tiblorian, how did you do the strikethrough on your spell list?

[Lazarus]

OOC: Ahh dammit dammit dammit! Lost a finished post again. I'm marmalading Araidin for this round, X has been offline for about 6 days so I figure he's probobly busy or somesuch.

Araidin hammered the creature gripping boneclaw. Andy critted #1, knocked out #2, and injured #3. #3 & 4 moved up, #4 missing Andy with it's attacks. Boneclaw and Perrin both moved up to attack #4, Perrin tripped it. (I think thats the gist of the lost text)

Initiative: -party is blessed
Sunduri:
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Tytha:
Araidin:
Anduril: 6 damage
Creature #02: -dying
Creature #03: -injured -nauseated
Creature #04: -badly injured -tripped
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)

[Tiblorian]

OOC: [ s ] Spell [ /s ] (Without spaces) Spell

OOC: Can I delay my turn, until after Anduril's, then finish anything off if it is still alive, with a magic missile?

Noticing the battle appears to be ending, Sunduri patiently waits for the others to finish the disabled creatures, hoping to save his spells for a later encounter.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Hmm if everyone delays till after Andy...

Andy snaps off another 3 arrows and both of the remaining creatures drop unconscious.

Anduril: 6 damage
Boneclaw: 7 damage

[Lazarus]

OOC: That was anticlimatic, Andy's just too good at what he does. Anyway I may as well finish up this room.

When the Stinking cloud disipates it's easy enough to push past the dead and dying creatures to investigate the glow. You find a glowing key hanging from a wall hook, it's size matches the doorlock on the main passage. Furthur investigation of the 'dining hall' would require digging deep in the poop, but your confident there's nothing more to find.

[Tiblorian]

After searching for anything dangerous around the key, the wizard reaches out and grabs it remarking, "This should get us into the center of the temple, it was best to search this room at first after all it appears. If there are no objects, perhaps it is best to leave this room infested with waste and bowel excrements, and proceed posthaste to the center door.

[Lazarus]

As soon as you push the key in the lock the door swings open revealing another wide corridor leading left and curving back to the right. The floor has much less filth and you can see most of the corridor is a mosiac of 2ft tiles in 6 colours (blue, red, green, yellow, orange, purple), near the curve some of the tiles are stained black by old blood.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood09.jpg

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri examines the tiles, for any dangerous or unusual characteristics.

[Lazarus]

Most of the tiles give when touched, testing the first 2 rows with prods shows that the orange tiles don't give, when the other tiles are depressed sharp poles project from either wall turning the corridor into a porcupine deathtrap, there is no safe zone below the trap. The spines take 3 seconds to activate.

The colour pattern looks random except for 2 things. Firstly 2 tiles of the same colour never touch, and secondly each colour is absent once every 6 rows.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Is it possible to hopscotch across landing on only orange tiles, as we were able to before?

[Lazarus]

OOC: Is it possible to hopscotch across landing on only orange tiles, as we were able to before?

OOC: It'll be easier because the tiles don't have the crud cover the last trap had. Most of you can take 10 but Shannon and Araidin will still have issues because they have a negative balance skill, and Perrin may misunderstand altogether. Crossing the stained section would be a dc12 Jump check followed by a dc10 balance check.

[Tiblorian]

"Anduril, it should be easy for elves as nimble as ourselves to hop across the tiles, and as long as there are no monsters waiting at the other side, we may be able to find another lever that disarms this trap as the previous one did."

OOC: Do spikes go along the entire tunnel while a tile is hit, or mearly that section. If they go along the entire tunnel it may be best for andy to go first, though if its just the area around the tile, Sunduri can follow 2-3 tiles behind Anduril.

[Xaearth]

OOC: Yeah, I was a bit busy fiddling with my pc and ranting on the AoC boards about how terrible the game is running for so many people.

Araidin scratches his beard. "Hrmm... More tiles eh? Tiles and pointy sticks, brings memories of the ole' days back when I was an apprentice stonemason working in that reformed goblin village. Can't truly know how to work with refined metal 'til ya know how to work with rock after all."

[Lazarus]

OOC: Do spikes go along the entire tunnel while a tile is hit, or mearly that section. If they go along the entire tunnel it may be best for andy to go first, though if its just the area around the tile, Sunduri can follow 2-3 tiles behind Anduril.

OOC: Observing the activation of the trap you can see the spikes triggering from here to the far edge of the stained tiles.

[Lazarus]

OOC: I'm just waiting for Andy to comment, I'm not having him volunteered to play with the trap without player input. If he hasn't commented by the end of the weekend I'll consider marmalading him.

OOC: I'm somewhat amused that there's not a single skill rank in Jump, Balance, Climb, or Tumble in the entire party. Usually those are the most popular skills, I know I've never built a Rogue without taking some or all of those, usually all.

[Nogard]

Growing impatient with the wait Boneclaw begins growling and swaying finishing as he lays his front paw on Shannon's foot. Shannon has a feeling of weightlessness come over him. (Air Walk)

OOC: Thanks Sunduri.

[Rommalb]

OOC: I get 2 skill ranks a level and only have like 6 class skills, agility wasnt high on my priority list.

OOC: how much can I carry with Air Walk on? namely, can I carry Sunduri across to disable the trap or only myself

[Lazarus]

OOC: (Ack!) The guys that designed this place didn't account for flight or airwalk, your skipping 6 traps :(

OOC: The Jump etc comment was pretty much aimed at Sunduri, and to a lesser extent Anduril. I'm not sure if anyone else has the relevent class skills and lack of armour check penalty.

OOC: There is no weight limit for air walk, your footing counts as solid ground so your limited by your own strength. I think you can carry Sunduri over as a heavy load, I havent been keeping tabs on what people weight, and how much weight is carried.

Shannon hands his pack to someone else and piggybacks Sunduri. The corridor curves right around the outer wall, ending almost a circle from where it started. At the end is a section clear of tiles, a door, and a lever like the last trap disabling lever.

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I was going to say I'd rather save my fly scroll but this works just as well, better infact.

OOC: I'm pretty sure I have 4 ranks in tumble, back from level one rogue.

"Ahh yes Boneclaw, that is definitely more preferable than me using my scroll." Sunduri unslings his pack, leaving it on the floor, and removing his toad from a pocket hands it to Anduril. (elven)"I trust that you shall watch him until I return, he shall let you know when things are safe." Then hops on Shannon's shoulders to be carried around the passageway, and with a short search for danger, pulls the lever, and tests one of the tiles to see if the trap is safe. If the trap is safe, the wizard communicates a sense of safety and security to his frog, who attempts to convey this message with a series of croaks.

[Lazarus]

When the levers pulled the same cathunks carry down the corridor as with the first trap ('Sigh', I put a fair bit of effort into those traps!), and the lever slowly starts to right itself. All the trap tiles are disabled and the party can safely walk around to the door.

The doors seems safe under inspection. There is no handle or keyhole, but you find a large button concealed within a painting of a sun. The rest of the painting is the spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green. blue, purple) displayed in several ways.

[Tiblorian]

"If there are no objections, I will push this button, as there seems to be no traps?"

[Lazarus]

Sunduri shoves straining as the button sticks, but eventually it gives and depresses with a thud. As it activates the trap lever flicks up rearming the corridor, and the door grinds sideways into the wall.

Your looking into another room.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/TempleofBlood10.jpg

In the room to the left is another large door, blood seeps thru the hinges like syrup. To the right dominating the centre of the room a large angelic looking statue looks up in a pose of suplication. Above the statue is a glowing moving sun symbol.

[Rommalb]

"It appears something most vile is in that door to the left, though I am wary of the position of this statue in relation to that room as well. Good Wizard, perhaps it would be best if you checked for any magical influence in here

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri searches the statue, and the surrounding area for anything of note, using detect magic if his earlier searches did not yield any results.

[Lazarus]

When you move fully into the room a deep voice rumbles from the statue. "Thradt da neardsh!"

[Tiblorian]

"You wouldn't happen to speak common would you?"

>DM Edit OOC: Remember there is no common, the 'short lived' races have nearly as much language diversity as earth does. Your half a continent from home, in an ancient temple. <DM Edit

[Lazarus]

There is a breif silence than it again booms. "...Thradt da neardsh!"

OOC: Are you continuing into the room? Is anyone else stepping out of the corridor?

[Nogard]

Cautiously eyeing the door the blood is oozing out of Boneclaw and Perrin remain in the hallway.

OOC: How high up the door is the blood oozing out?

[Lazarus]

OOC: How high up the door is the blood oozing out?

OOC: There is a pool of thick blood extending about a foot from the door, and a very slow seep down the sides up to about your chest height (groin height for Shannon).

[Xaearth]

Araidin scratches his beard for a moment, then speaks. "This language is unfamiliar... Assuming whoever or whatever is attempting to communicate with us was placed here a fairly long time ago, it's quite possible that this language is no longer used in the outside world. I doubt whoever left all of these traps would neglect to account for that fact... Perhaps... a language older than our world?"

Araidin steps forward just inside the doorway. He speaks aloud in celestial "Can you understand me? My companions and I do not know the language in which you speak. Do you speak any other languages?"

OOC: I figure the worst that can happen is it's speaking in some infernal tongue and would become enraged at the use of celestial, in which case we'd know its intentions so *shrug*. Then again, perhaps the angel statue was a clue?

[Lazarus]

OOC: Sorry for the delay. I haven't had enough sleep to concentrate on this, I'll post an update in the morning.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Again sorry for the delay, I just lost another day and night to AOC, it's like crack!

A shout of "Agehd dshaa!" echoes, and sticky strands fire out at of nothing at most of the party, Andy evedas one but a second strikes him. Sunduri and Shannon feel their strength waning while Tytha slumps altogether.

OOC: Everybody except Boneclaw and Perrin have a sticky strand of something stuck to them stretching back towards the statue, the strands hang in the air. I'll play actions as they come, you were all anticipating a threat so you all get to respond, so player initiative order is meaningless.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Shannon: (S) (bull strengthed) (Weakened -4str)
Tytha: (S) (Weakened -10str str=0)
Araidin: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri: (S) (Weakened -6str)
Statue?:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/LazarusLaz/Enc30Pic01.jpg

[Xaearth]

OOC: What is Tytha's base strength? And Sunduri? And I guess to a lesser extent Shannon, although I'm not too concerned there. Mainly looking at using Restoration or Lesser Restoration to get Tytha back up or keep Sunduri from suffering the same fate.

OOC: If Sunduri is not in imminent danger of becoming helpless and Tytha's base strength is high enough that a simple Lesser Restoration will pick her back up (albeit with a much lower than normal strength score), Araidin will opt for casting that on Tytha. Otherwise... I'll be waitin to hear :D.

OOC: Another question, as far as we can tell, is the voice coming from the statue or near the statue?

PS: I take it the Celestial didn't work xD.
PS2: Erm... Now that I think of it... If this thing's a dryder and you forgot that I can speak some 'drow', I'ma come after you with the pointy sticks :poke:.

[Lazarus]

OOC: What is Tytha's base strength? And Sunduri? And I guess to a lesser extent Shannon, although I'm not too concerned there. Mainly looking at using Restoration or Lesser Restoration to get Tytha back up or keep Sunduri from suffering the same fate.

OOC: You think it's a stat-penalty magic like 'Ray of Enfeeblement', probobly dispelled by 'Lesser Restoration', but they may suffer it again. (Such spells give a temporary penalty rather than stat damage, like a reverse 'Bulls Strength')

OOC: If Sunduri is not in imminent danger of becoming helpless and Tytha's base strength is high enough that a simple Lesser Restoration will pick her back up (albeit with a much lower than normal strength score), Araidin will opt for casting that on Tytha. Otherwise... I'll be waitin to hear :D.

OOC: Gotta leave really soon so I'll skip advncing for now.

OOC: Another question, as far as we can tell, is the voice coming from the statue or near the statue?

OCC: The voice was coming from the right location, but the statue didn't move in any way when it spoke.

PS: I take it the Celestial didn't work xD.
PS2: Erm... Now that I think of it... If this thing's a dryder and you forgot that I can speak some 'drow', I'ma come after you with the pointy sticks :poke:.

OOC: The language isn't one any of you recognised in the least. Whatever your attacker is it's far far from any known cultures, and I think the only languages you've checked are Elleslandic and Celestial. You don't know if it attacked becouse it did recognise Celestial or becouse it didn't.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Oh and those strands are taut and beginning to pull, reaching Tytha with a touch spell could prove difficult unless you break free. I'll figure that out when I've got my books out again.

[Rommalb]

Shannon will attempt to break the strands holding him (either by pulling on them or with his sword if he doesnt think pure muscle will do it) and then attempt to cut the other strands if he can keep moving

[Lazarus]

Shannon tries to sunder the strand attached to him, it twists to evade his blow but proves easy to hit so attached. Than Shannon severs the strand stuck to Araidin.

Araidin moves back to Tytha who's hanging limp against her strand. He casts a Lesser Restoration and her strength flows back as the weakness fades.


Initiative: -party is blessed
Tytha: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri: (S) (Weakened -6str)
Statue?:
Shannon: (bull strengthed) (Weakened -4str)
Araidin:

[Nogard]

Boneclaw steps around the corner growling a prayer that causes a bright burst of light center on the origin of the strands. (Faerie Fire)

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri fires three magic missiles at the strands holding him and two at the ones holding Tytha.

OOC: Sorry I haven't been posting, it is finals week, but today is my last one.

[Lazarus]

Sunduri's Magic Missiles fade as they strike a spell resistance. No glitter is visible past the ends of the strands, it outlines a sphere around the 'statue'. "GRATAHT! SHRAVAAAA!" Tytha steps forward and restores Shannons strength (the strands don't prevent moving closer). Anduril fires 3 arrows towards the 'statue', the arrows vanish past the strands.

OOC: Perrin wants to charge in and attack, will Boneclaw let him?

OOC: I need to redraw the action when I advance so I'll leave it there for now, gotta sleep.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Statue?:
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Araidin:
Tytha: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri: (S) (Weakened -6str)

[Xaearth]

"There's some strange magic afoot here... Arrows and magic disappearing?"

OOC: Approx how far is Araidin from the statue (in feet)? And while I'm looking at the radii on certain spell effects, approx how far away from the statue did the arrows vanish? I'm guessing 10 feet... ;)

[Tiblorian]

"I could attempt to cast an abjuration to attempt to dispel its shield, but I am dubious as to whether such is possible with what appears to be something beyond the ordinary enchantment."

[Xaearth]

"Well, is this thing actually shielded with something? Or is it just invisible? It may be a bit hard to tell with what we have to go on, but the fact that Anduril's arrows disappeared leads me to think it might have some sort of invisibility field around it. I may be able to take care of that..."

OOC: *pokes prepped spell list* Anything on there that would take care of invisibility that I'd need to know distances for? ;)

[Lazarus]

OOC: The statue covers about 10ft at it's base, the vanish point is another 5ft.

OOC: Glitterdust would normally knock out invisibility, this is obviously something else.

OOC: Perrin can have 2 actions or no action next round, so I can advance .

Sunduri, Tytha, and Anduril are all hauled 10ft closer. The loose strand waves at Shannon but missed completely striking the wrong location, and a new strand emerges to strike Boneclaw.

Initiative: -party is blessed
2x Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Araidin:
Tytha: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: (S) 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri: (S) (Weakened -6str)
Statue?:

[Rommalb]

Shannon will attempt to move between the rest of the party and the statue and sever any remaining strands.

OOC: y'know casters, if you have Detect Magic prepared (and theres no reason you shouldnt) you can use that to identify magic in effect

[Lazarus]

Shannon moves closer to the 'statue' and hacks Sunduri loose.

OOC: Using Detect Magic that way takes 3 rounds of concentration. 1st round =is there magic, 2nd round =how many & what's most powerful, and 3rd round strengths and locations of all auras & potentially what are the schools. So it wouldn't really help in the thick of fighting. You can already tell what the first 2 rounds would show: round1 "Yep there's magic!" round2 "Lots of magic here, damn that daggers bright!"

Initiative: -party is blessed
2x Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Araidin:
Tytha: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: (S) 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Statue?:
Shannon: (bull strengthed)

[Xaearth]

Eyeing the statue carefully, Araidin steps forward with Shannon and begins casting a spell. "I'd be wary about going hand-to-hand combat with that thing."

With that, a magical warhammer appears in front of him and moves forward to attack the statue.

OOC: Cast Spiritual Weapon.

[Tiblorian]

"Shannon, try using the dagger, something that powerful must be able to do something to the shield," Sunduri shouts, making a retreat from the statue to hide behind Shannon.

[Lazarus]

The Spiritual Weapon flies towards the statue and vanishes, than shortly after it flies back into view and hovers.

OOC: You sensed it attack and miss. Becouse it was out of your sight it returned to be redirected (the spell description specifies that).

Sunduri retreats (presumably full defensive if stepping behind Shannon was his only action?)

Initiative: -party is blessed
2x Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Tytha: (S)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage
Boneclaw: (S) 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Statue?:
Shannon: (bull strengthed)
Araidin:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str) (full defensive +4ac)

[Xaearth]

OOC: Yeah, I knew about it returning if it went out of sight... Actually I was counting on it.

"Hrm... This spirit hammer does not seem to be any worse for wear. While I can't say with total certainty that it would be safe to pass that vanishing point, I can venture to guess it is not planar in nature, or otherwise I would think it unable to return to me..."

Araidin thinks for a moment, then turns his head towards his fellow adventurers. "Anyone have any idea what this might be? The faerie fire did not reveal much, but our missile weapons disappearing is definitely magic at work... If it's not invisibility, some kind of distortion? Like I said, if it was planar I'd think my spiritual hammer would have trouble returning..."
Araidin pauses, then says, "If no one has any better ideas, I'll try an invisibility purge to rule out the possibility of invisibility completely."

Edit: OOC: Just to clarify, you did remember to use my wisdom mod as the attack bonus for the weapon? It's in the spell description. Just checking because the +6 from wis instead of the +2 from str could be a fair bit of difference :D.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Alright I was hoping you'd figure it out or pass through it in character, but with all the experiments you've done I'll allow spellcraft checks.

Araidin and Sunduri figure out it's an illusion, everything your seeing within that 15ft radius circle could be fake. You don't think anything that targets invisibility will work. You also suspect that if it could be disbelieved than one of you would probobly be seeing through it already. It may be a layer (like a 3d painting around that 15ft arc) in which case stepping through it could reveal the truth (and also make you vulnerable to archer fire :D).

OOC: I used the right attack bonus, I read through the spell descriptor before I rolled the mechanics.

[Xaearth]

OOC: Illusion... /doh. Meh, I always think up everything but the obvious ;).
OOC: /doh^2... I just realized the whole idea of it being a sphere of invisibility was stupid considering the statue itself would be invisible xD.

[Rommalb]

OOC: thats what i thought it was after the spiritual weapon, but with an INT of 8 that'd be way out of character to guess

[Nogard]

Boneclaw barks some quick orders to Perrin. Perrin bites down on the strand attached to Boneclaw and begins pulling attempting to haul the creature closer. Boneclaw then bites down on the strand as well pulling with Perrin to attempt to reveal the creature.

[Lazarus]

Pulling does nothing, but the biting is enough to sever the strand. Tytha tries to sever her strand but fails. Andy is having trouble fully drawing his bow becouse of his weakened state, but still snaps off 3 arrows.

A new strand latches onto Shannon, and 2 of the Elves are hauled through the illusion. The creature bites Tytha. Anduril shouts "It's blinded!".

OOC: Those of you who have passed the illusion barrier (currently Anduril) can look at this: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG215b.jpg It has 2 arrows stuck in it.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Shannon: (S) (Weakened -12str) (bull strengthed)
Araidin:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str) (full defensive +4ac)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Tytha: (S) 17damage (beyond the illusion)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage (beyond the illusion)
Statue?: -injured -blinded

[Rommalb]

Shannon will rush through the barrier and try to attack the creature head on (and maybe get a lesser restore from Tytha while hes at it)

[Lazarus]

OOC: Major stuffup, Sunduri wasn't dragged, I forgot he was cut loose. I'm swapping that damage to Tytha and I'll edit my last post.

Shannon vanishes thru the illusion and strikes the creature. Tytha uses a Cure Moderate on herself (she only had one lesser restore prepped).

OOC: Shannon can look at the link now.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Araidin:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str) (full defensive +4ac)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage (beyond the illusion)
Statue?: -injured -blinded
Shannon: (S) (Weakened -12str) (bull strengthed) (beyond the illusion)
Tytha: (S) 1 damage (beyond the illusion)

[Lazarus]

OOC: Attacking a blind opponent means Shannon will be spending a challenge each round becouse of the break in his code.

[Xaearth]

Araidin follows Shannon through the illusionary barrier and directs his spiritual hammer towards the creature. He then turns to Tytha and attempts to free her to prevent further damage.

OOC: Portion with strikethrough edited because of the post above sneaking in before mine.

Realizing it is against Shannon's code to fight a creature incapacitated in such a manner, Araidin shouts. "Shannon, get them free! It's my turn to do the clobberin!" With that, Araidin calls forth on divine powers to strengthen his arm already well muscled from the art of smithing. He steps towards the creature with shield and hammer raised, ready to fight.

[Rommalb]

OOC: i WOULD look at the picture but the link doesnt work

[Lazarus]

Araidin moves in and powers up.

OOC: Araidin can now click on the link. I'm not sure why it's not working for Rommalb, I just checked and the link is good for me. The pictures is also on page 215 of the Monster Manual (second picture obviously), please don't read or act according to the stats, none of the characters who have seen it have the Knowledge to name it.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str) (full defensive +4ac)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage (beyond the illusion)
Statue?: -injured -blinded
Shannon: (S) (Weakened -12str) (bull strengthed) (beyond the illusion)
Tytha: (S) 1 damage (beyond the illusion)
Araidin: (Divine Powered for +6 str, 9bab, and +7temp hp) (beyond the illusion)

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Don't feel bad, I'm supposed to have 24 Intelligence, and I thought it was an artifact and didn't bother trying to dispel it.

Sunduri, who does not want to get close to the statue, hangs towards the back of the room, and draws a ball of puff from a tan bag and tosses it towards the statue.

OOC: Bag of tricks, and have whatever comes out try to go through the illusion and attack whatever is behind it.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Hmm, considering the potential havoc your described action could cause I'll roll Sunduri a wisdom check (fails).

Sunduri hurls a fuzzy ball at the enemy, it vanishes thru the illusion. Sunduri orders his unknown minion to attack (now I roll and see if it attacks the right target, 'roll', 'roll', nope!)

From Shannons perspective:
Sunduri hurls a fuzzy ball which bounces off the monster landing beside him, it lands as a Lion shoving Andy and Shannon aside. Sunduri points at the monster and shouts "Attack!" but his finger is also pointing at Shannon and the Lion gets the wrong idea, it turns and swipes at him with a claw.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Anduril: (S) 6 damage (beyond the illusion)
Statue?: -injured -blinded
Shannon: (S) (Weakened -12str) (bull strengthed) (beyond the illusion)
Tytha: (S) 1 damage (beyond the illusion)
Araidin: (Divine Powered for +6 str, 9bab, and +7temp hp) (beyond the illusion)
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Lion:

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I didn't think of that, owell, I'll just recall it on my next turn then I guess. Luckily the lion's +7 attack isn't nearly enough to touch Shannon.

[Nogard]

Boneclaw and Perrin move into the illusion and take up attack positions allowing for the best flanking points with Araidin and Anduril.

[Lazarus]

Boneclaw double moves around and though the illusion, he recognises the Roper (you can look it up), but if he shouts "Roper" no one else will recognise the name. Perrin circles around with him and bites it. Andy sinks 3 arrows into it.

OOC: I don't have all the party specs and the creatures current hp with me, so I'll have to wait till I get home to finish this round. Home in about 40 hours.

[Xaearth]

OOC: Just a heads up, I'll be out of town for a month or two starting either Monday or Tuesday it looks. I'm bringing my desktop with me (visiting family so I'ma bug my bro to help me with an upgrade :D), but it may be a few days before I get it hooked up. Try not to die on me while I'm gone now ;).

[Lazarus]

OOC: A few days incommunicado shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the warning.

OOC: I'm home now and can update the fray.

The Roper survives the barrage and tries biting Tytha again (Natural 01), it blindly bites on her backpack. Another triple shot from Andy is enough to kill it regardless of your other attacks. Without them moving the strands are easy to sever.

OOC: I've made a few mistakes on both sides of that combat, but I think your victory was assured by the blindness and the related lack of Attacks of Opportunity. That was supposedly a CR12, I'll just have to up your challenges.

OOC: One of my mistakes was my treatment of the weakness, it does say 'damage' in the description so the restores should have reduced not dispelled them. Either way you can't remove the remaining negative strengths until you leave the temple (you do have a high level Cleric outside so aid for that is likely).

Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Anduril: 6 damage
Shannon: (Weakened -12str) (bull strengthed)
Tytha: 1 damage
Araidin:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Lion:

[Xaearth]

OOC: Araidin does still have a normal Restoration prepared, unless you're treating that as already used due to the mix up xD. If the party deems it best to use it now on either of the two remaining stat damaged party members, Araidin will go ahead with the party's decision, otherwise he will hold on to it for future emergencies. (In other words I'm not quite sure of Shannon and Sunduri's stats, and, while I'm sure the strength is more important to Shannon combat-wise, for all I know Sunduri is 1 strength damage away from being helpless.)

[Lazarus]

OOC: So you do. I looked over the spell lists about 3 times checking for Restores and spare Bull Strengths and somehow overlooked that one. Shannon needs it as he'll be reduced to 2 strength in the next few minutes (When the Bull Strength wears out), at 2str Shannon will be shuffling overloaded by his armour. Sunduri is on 4/10str which is uncomfortable but not debilitating (he doesn't carry much with weight).

[Rommalb]

OOC: to be fair, at 2 STR I would be immoblie due to my armor. Actually at 6 STR Im pretty close to being overloaded if this wasnt mithral which is about all thats saving me

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I have 10 base STR, so I would have 4 now.

OOC: Unfortunately I it appears am going to be without Internet(Starting tuesday) for the next two weeks :(. Sorry this is kind of sudden. Again, full apologies, sudden family issues have come up.

Sunduri apologizes for the mishap with the bag of tricks, and proceeds to search the room for anything of value.

[Lazarus]

A very intensive search of the room eventually reveals a lever concealed within patterning on the floor, it's near the edge of the illusion 4ft from the Roper.

OOC: You can drag 5x your max load moving 5ft per round, so with a 100lb drag Shannon could still shuffle along in the air. It's a moot point anyway as I'm assuming Araidin would restore you when he saw you begin to struggle, perhaps sooner.

OOC: I'll marmalade Sunduri for the next 2 weeks. With 3 players down I'll wait for Xaearth to say he's reconnected or Anduril to post before we continue. I encourage the remaining 2 players to roleplay in the meantime.

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri pulls the lever, hoping it opens the door on the other side, and not a trapdoor underneath him.

OOC: It says two months in title, but its really two weeks....We all know by now I'm not sane.

[Lazarus]

When the lever is flipped the door rises releasing a flood of stagnant blood into the room. Amidst the wave 2 shapes are carried into the room by the flow. Both of the things are yelling and muttering a crecendo of nonsense, the sounds are so disorienting that some of you are confused. In her confusion Tytha strikes Shannon with her staff, it bounces off his armour. Sunduri hammers one of the things with Scorching Rays. Anduril fires 2 arrows into the injured thing and it ceases babbling, than he snaps a third arrow into the other one. Shannon babbles incoherently.

Initiative:
Araidin:
?1: -injured?
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
<bloodflow mostly settles here, movement requires a balance check till this point, than difficult terrain.
Sunduri's Familier:
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
?2: -unconscious/dead?
Mel-Telpe: (confused1)
Tytha: 1 damage (confused1)
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Anduril: 6 damage
Shannon: (confused1)

[Nogard]

Boneclaw and Perrin will move at the same time to flank the other gibbering shape that came through the door.

[Xaearth]

Araidin advances on the other creature, attacking with his trusty hammer and hoping to give Boneclaw and Perrin a better chance to get behind the thing.

OOC: For the time being, PC usage is still... primitive... Dunno how else to describe a Dot-matrix printer, 10 year old failing keyboard and mouse, and enough dust to suffocate a small dog. In other news, I have an idea what to get the old man for father's day :D.

[Lazarus]

Araidin manages to wade against the tide of fetid blood to strike the thing, which is a shifting mass covered with mouths and eyes. A few more of your animals slip into confused states as the remaining thing gibbers loudly. The thing hoiks blinding acid at Araidin and starts biting with multiple mouths, it hits with 4 of the bites but fails to latch on. Boneclaw wades over through neck deep blood and bites the thing, but the bite does negligible damage. Sunduri's Toad hops away in a panic plunging into the blood. The confused Lion lashes Sunduri with both claws. Perrin swims away in a panic with Mel-telpe following above. Tytha tries to attack Shannon again.

OOC: I'll have to stop there gotta go somewhere, I'll probobly continue in a few hours.

Initiative:
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str)
Anduril: 6 damage
Shannon: (confused1)
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded4 rounds)
?1: -injured?
Boneclaw: 7 damage (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused1)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Mel-Telpe: (confused1)
Tytha: 1 damage

[Lazarus]

Sunduri Magic Missiles the thing, and Anduril finishes it with a volley of arrows. Shannon runs away in a panic.

It's not over yet as another of the creatures moves into the doorway, it's far far larger than the other 2. It gibbers much like the other 2, spits acid at Boneclaw, and moves to bite him. The biting mouth latches on and starts sucking Boneclaws blood.

Initiative:
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded 4 rounds)
Boneclaw: 25 damage (1 con damage) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused2)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Mel-Telpe: (confused1)
Tytha: 1 damage
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str)
Anduril: 6 damage
Shannon:
Large thing:

[Rommalb]

OOC: I was wondering if I could do anything while confused. Man, my lucks been atrocious these last two fights...

[Lazarus]

OOC: You would have only got to act normally on 11-20%. On the bright side the large one only managed to confused the familier, and once the saves were made your immune to the effect. Hmm you were meant to return Tytha's attacks, oh well I should have read the subtext.

[Nogard]

Growling and yipping Boneclaw causes vines to burst forth from the creature holding him.(Blood Creepers)

OOC: Half asleep and away from by books at the moment so if I can't cast I will just attempt to break the grapple.

[Lazarus]

OOC: I've been delaying to allow Xearth a chance to post, and than becouse I've been out a couple of days. But I think it's about time I advanced some of the initiative.

Boneclaw casts a spell causing vines to grow through the creature, the results look minimal. Sunduri's familier continues to flee. At Sunduri's command the lion wades up to the gibbering thing and tries to claw it. Perrin recovers from his confusion and starts heading back. Mel-telpe swoops trying to attack Perrin but misses. Tytha moves behind Boneclaw and touches him with a Cure Moderate. Sunduri detonates a fireball behind the thing which does some damage. Anduril sinks 2 arrows into it.

Initiative:
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded 4 rounds)
Shannon:
Large thing:
Boneclaw: 7 damage (1 con damage) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused1)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Mel-Telpe:
Tytha: 1 damage
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str)
Anduril: 6 damage

[Xaearth]

OOC: Heh... been an... interesting... week. Stay tuned for more news somewhere in the friendly banter forum more than likely.

Unable to see but still hearing the mass confusion and sounds of battle around him, Araidin opts to call upon deific power to bless the party. (OOC: Hmm... can a blind cleric rummage around in his bag of holding for a metamagic rod? If so, let's make that an extended bless shall we? :D)

[Lazarus]

OOC: It's a full round action to take an item from a bag of holding, which is why Hewards Handy Haversacks are so handy. If a Bag of Holding is your main carrying method your better of having combat items on your belt. Another thing to consider is if the monster outlasts a seven minute spell than your more than likely all dead and semi-digested.

Casting on the defensive Araidin shouts a Dwarven prayer to Bless the party. Shannon trudges over to the melee.

The thing spits at Shannon but fails to blind him. It bites at Boneclaw with many mouths but none get past his armour and thick hide. The attached mouth continues to chew and suck blood. You can hear mouths on the inside of the thing destroying Boneclaws vine spell. Mel-telpe is freshly confused by the gibbering.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Boneclaw: 13 damage (2 con damage) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused1)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Mel-Telpe: (confused1)
Tytha: 1 damage
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str)
Anduril: 6 damage
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded 4 rounds)
Shannon: 1 damage
Large thing:

[Xaearth]

OOC: Yeah, I knew there was something to that Haversack thing but if I remember right I went with the bag of holding because it's better when it comes to weight, and, having a lower than normal strength (12 base) for someone wearing extremely heavy armor (I think normal battleplate's 100-somethin, so thank the gods for mithril)... I'll take all the help I can get in the weight department :D

OOC: Also using the metamagic rod wasn't so much for the encounter as to ensure I got the most out of my last party-wide buff, which reminds me I have some better buffage I found in the spell compendium so I'll be switchin my spell list around a bit between chapters or whenever we take a rest.

[Nogard]

Narrowly avoiding the incoming bites from the creature Boneclaw begins another prayer. As he finished the ground rocks slighty as a large earth element sprouts forth and begins attacking the enemy. (Spontaneously converted Dire Hunger to Summon Nature's Ally V)

[Lazarus]

Boneclaw begins a Summon spell (Summons are full round actions, appearing at the start of your next turn). Sunduri's Toad comes to its senses and starts swim-hopping its way back to its master. The Lion fails on all its attacks. Perrin tries to bite but the shifting flesh melts out of his jaws. Mel-telpe swoops and rakes Tytha. Tytha fully heals Boneclaw. Sunduri casts an extended Haste on most of your group. Anduril sinks 4 arrows into the thing.


Initiative: -party is blessed
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded 3 rounds) (hasted)
Shannon: 1 damage (hasted)
Large thing:
Boneclaw: (2 con damage) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2) -summoning (hasted)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused1) (hasted)
Lion: (hasted)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2) (hasted)
Mel-Telpe:
Tytha: 2 damage (hasted)
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str) (hasted)
Anduril: 6 damage (hasted)

[Rommalb]

OOC: wow, am I actually going to be able to do something again at long last?

[Lazarus]

OOC: Your adjacent to the thing and no longer confused, so yes you can do what you want. Also while you can't understand its yammering it is a language, so if you want to challange it you can.

[Xaearth]

With all of the confusion of battle around him and his current affliction, Araidin chooses to hold his hammer at the ready in the event that he is attacked and concentrates on the sounds around him to get his bearings.

(OOC: Araidin readies an attack against oozy-gunk touching him.)

[Lazarus]

OOC: You choosing an action Rommalb? I'll assume you make a Fighting Challenge with a full attack if you don't post soon.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Shannon: 1 damage (hasted)
Large thing:
Boneclaw: (2 con damage) (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2) -summoning (hasted)
Sunduri's Familier: (confused1) (hasted)
Lion: (hasted)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2) (hasted)
Mel-Telpe:
Tytha: 2 damage (hasted)
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str) (hasted)
Anduril: 6 damage (hasted)
Araidin: 8 damage (blinded 2 rounds) (hasted) (defensive)

[Anduril]

OOC: Sorry I haven't been able to post much hopefully I can read this tommorrow and figure out what's happened.

[Rommalb]

Shannon will shout a challenge at the abonimation before moving up and trying to attack it with everything he can.

[Lazarus]

Shannon strikes the monster three times, his sword strikes are almost useless against it's shifting flesh but he does burn it slightly.

The thing spits at Shannon, blinding him. It continus to bite at Boneclaw latching on with 2 more mouths. Tytha snaps off a maximised Close Wounds on the suffering Wolf-Dwarf, it's not enough to save him as the thing sucks his lifeless body inside it.

Sunduri's toad stops in the blood, croaking weirdly. The Lion manages to get a solid claw strike on the thing, but it does no damage. Perrin manages a couple of bites, again barely scratching it. Tytha steps behind Araidin and heals him. Sunduri peppers it with Magic Missiles. Two of Andy's arrows impact on the thing.

OOC: Nogard I'll send you a pm.

Initiative: -party is blessed
Araidin: (blinded 2 rounds) (hasted) (defensive)
Shannon: 4 damage (hasted) (blind 2 rounds)
Large thing:
Sunduri's Familier: (hasted)
Lion: (hasted)
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2) (hasted)
Mel-Telpe:
Tytha: 2 damage (hasted)
Sunduri: 17 damage (Weakened -6str) (hasted)
Anduril: 6 damage (hasted)

[Xaearth]

OOC: Before ya go replacin the poor dorf, if he's still somewhat intact I might perhaps be able to slice him into two pieces, pop off a Gentle Repose and stick him in mine and Shannon's backpacks :D.

Following the sounds of battle and realizing something terrible happened to Boneclaw, Araidin stumbles forward blindly attempting to get at the creature, trying to get to Boneclaw before he is fully digested.

[Lazarus]

Tytha makes a comment. "Boneclaw is dead, don't take unnessessary risks trying to save him. Remember he's the only humanoid one of you who still had a second life."

OOC: I don't think anyone has told your character about this, so unless you want to assume it as a conversation that happened between panels your entitled to be confused. Anduril, Shannon, and Sunduri have all died once but were restored by a grateful god from an earlier chapter. Tytha has already lost a comrade because the gift is specific to survivers of chapter 6, Shannon is her second Leader. Boneclaw is already back from the dead and your companions know it.

[Rommalb]

"Thats right Araidin, though its noble of you to try so hard for him fear not, he will be back once this beast is desposed of." Shannon will continue to slash at the beast

[Anduril]

Anduril fires at the creature with renewed furry after witness the death of his dwarven friend.

[Xaearth]

OOC: Bah, you all pulled a fast one on me :o. Ah well, do we at least know how Boneclaw died? (Was it the bites or the con damage?)

Not entirely understanding his companions' meaning, Araidin sees the shine of the holy symbol on his armor through the blindness and gets the idea. He clasps one hand around the holy symbol to Moraidin hanging around his neck and mumbles a few words the rest of the party does not quite understand. He follows the sound of Shannon's blade and fumbles for the disgusting creature, ready to bash its... brains? Can he truly say such an abomination has brains? No matter, Araidin will punish this foul creature for forcing the forge of the gods to work this day.

OOC: Ok, so maybe he doesn't really "see" the holy symbol, but it's like that second sight feeling you get when you can't see but you know where something is because you've seen it so many times :p.

[Lazarus]

Araidins first blow strikes at empty air, his second blow strikes it like soft butter. (the dr is bypassed by bludgeoning, this is the most melee damage dealt by a blow so far). His third strike parts air again. Shannon manages to score a single strike, but except for a slight sizzle it does nothing.

The thing turns on Shannon striking and latching with 2 mouths. It also fires a gob of acidic saliva at Anduril but he evades it.

Sunduri's familier makes it back to the safety of his pocket. The lion fails to score a solid hit. Perrin manages to bite off a small piece of flesh. Mel-telpe flies to perch on the Roper body, watching the fight from safety. Tytha manages to aviod a bite as she moves behind Shannon and touches him with a Cure Critical spell. Sunduri batters it with another Magic Missile volley. Anduril fires an accurate volley of 4 arrows and the cacouphony of gibbering finally lets up. Araidin gets another strike in leaving it very dead. Shannon fails to get the mouths off and they continue to draw blood while it dies, than finally drop away.

With the fight over Tytha heals the worst wound. Presumably some of you hack the thing open toretreive the chewed up remains of Boneclaws wolf form (I don't think Wildshape reverts on death).

Eventually Boneclaw returns with a sploosh, standing knee deep in blood, wet, naked, and hairy. (you can carry on both conversations, this and the pm's) Sunduri uses Dispel Magic on the Wolf Carcase reverting it to Dwarf form so Boneclaw can recover his clothing and equipment.

-party is blessed
Anduril: 6 damage
Araidin:
Shannon: (4 con damage)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Tytha: 2 damage
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)

[Lazarus]

Araidins first blow strikes at empty air, his second blow strikes it like soft butter. (the dr is bypassed by bludgeoning, this is the most melee damage dealt by a blow so far). His third strike parts air again. Shannon manages to score a single strike, but except for a slight sizzle it does nothing.

The thing turns on Shannon striking and latching with 2 mouths. It also fires a gob of acidic saliva at Anduril but he evades it.

Sunduri's familier makes it back to the safety of his pocket. The lion fails to score a solid hit. Perrin manages to bite off a small piece of flesh. Mel-telpe flies to perch on the Roper body, watching the fight from safety. Tytha manages to aviod a bite as she moves behind Shannon and touches him with a Cure Critical spell. Sunduri batters it with another Magic Missile volley. Anduril fires an accurate volley of 4 arrows and the cacouphony of gibbering finally lets up. Araidin gets another strike in leaving it very dead. Shannon fails to get the mouths off and they continue to draw blood while it dies, than finally drop away.

With the fight over Tytha heals the worst wound. Presumably some of you hack the thing open toretreive the chewed up remains of Boneclaws wolf form (I don't think Wildshape reverts on death).

Eventually Boneclaw returns with a sploosh, standing knee deep in blood, wet, naked, and hairy. (you can carry on both conversations, this and the pm's) Sunduri uses Dispel Magic on the Wolf Carcase reverting it to Dwarf form so Boneclaw can recover his clothing and equipment.

-party is blessed
Anduril: 6 damage
Araidin:
Shannon: (4 con damage)
Lion:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Tytha: 2 damage
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)

[Xaearth]

OOC: Woot! Warhammer + extra damage from supa-high cleric wisdom mod ftw! :D

[Lazarus]

OOC: I might as well provide a description of the last room while I'm waiting for posts.

The last room is dim, there is magical light patterned on the roof but so thick is the scum of dried blood that more light is coming in from behind you. There are hints that there may have been mosaics and tile work but it's mostly been eaten away by the acidic nature of blood. The smell is ghastly, worse than an old charnel house without ventilation, you've grown accustomed to the growing stink as you've moved further though the temple but it's still highly repugnant.

There are two objects here that have somewhat survived the passage of time. One looks to be a large statue, filthy and listing heavily Boneclaw thinks it was once a gods idol. The other survivor is a goblet hanging from the ceiling by a cord, it was once held in balance by cords down three sides, two of those hang broken. The goblet is hanging sideways with blood flowing from it. The 'tidal marks' on the walls suggest the blood has flowed as high as the base of the cup in the past, about 7ft high.

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri dispels Boneclaw's wolf form with a wave of his hand, while covering his nose to help ward off the stench of blood. The wizard then searches the magical goblet for any final traps, and then(assuming there are none) attempts to break the goblet's final string and untip(is that a word?) it.

[Lazarus]

After a visual inspection Sunduri makes an impressive jump (considering he has no jump skill, can only make a standing jump, has strength damage, and has a sucking pudding of blood below him) managing to grab the base of the cup. A splash of blood pours in his face than cuts off as his weight rights the cup. Sunduri tries once, twice, ten times to pull himself up enough to examine the cords but hasn't the strength, and the cord shows no signs of breaking under his weight.

OOC: As much as I like making fun of literal translations of Sunduri's plans, through observation and trial he has identified there are no traps. Remembering Shannon is under an Air Walk spell I'll advance this to conclusion.

Shannon 'walks' up to goblet and saws through the top cord with his magical sword. When it gives Sunduri manages to land on his feet below and slowly carries your prize out of the room. When the grime is scrubbed away you can unbind the cradle from the goblet, or you could leave it on for a Cleric to 'Make Whole' for future use. When perfectly upright the Goblet is empty.

[Nogard]

Reappearing with a slight "popping noise" Boneclaw calmly looks around for his body. Watching as Sunduri dispels the wildshape he thanks the wizard, " At least everything seems to have survived the process of being drawn into that thing. Anybody know what the hell it was? One second its mouths are bouncing off my back the next I am drowning in a pool of blood. By the way Mello tells me his people have sealed all outside entrances into thier valley and are attempting to coexist peacefully at the moment."

Boneclaw moves to the his dead body across the room. Perrin watches as his friends dead body is stripped and the new body that just appeared clothes itself. " It is alright Perrin. No need to worry about me I am just fine." Boneclaw says as he scratches the wolf behind the ears.

Looking into the newly opened room Boneclaw remarks. "The goblet up there must be what we were asked to locate and that statue appears to be an idol or a god that must have been worshipped here."

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Hey, theres only so much I can do with that negative wisdom modifier :P

"Welcome back to the realm of the living Boneclaw."

[Lazarus]

Presumably becouse of the supernatural aspects of the Animal Companion bond, Perrin accepts you immediately. Thought amidst the waist deep (for a wolf) muck, and the various foul and unusual smells he does seem subdued.

[Lazarus]

OOC: It's been four days since the last post, I was hoping for a little more character action but I guess I should move on.

With nowhere else to go you head back to the curving trap corridor, the door is closed (I don't think I remembered to close it during the previous action, it closed on a time delay after the Roper died but before the lever was pulled for the blood room. Pulling that lever also triggers the exit door to close.) but there is an obvious mechanism to open it again, this causes the shrine room to seal than the door reopens.

As the door opens blood oozes and flows out and along the corridor setting off the traps as it goes. The first stretch of tiles on the way to the corner extrudes spikes from the floor than a wall comes down blocking the curved corner. Pulling the trap deactivation lever quickly stops the spikes but the wall takes over a minute before it rises. With the traps disabled your safe to circle round back to the corridor entrance, the door is closed.

[Nogard]

"Now that we have the goblet Lazarus was after we should at least leave this room the smell seems to bother Perrin far worse that it may be bothering us."

As the blood rushing from the room sets off the traps Boneclaw remarks, "Suddenly I am glad that foul beast by the first trap made me cautious of this one even "The Amazing Shannon" might have had trouble with this last bit. Before we go should we explore the remainder of the temple or is everyone eager to leave."

[Xaearth]

Araidin stood quietly as Boneclaw reappeared. While not fully comprehending what took place, he decided that it was neither the time nor the place to discuss such matters. He accepted that some supernatural force was at work and reserved his questions until after the mission is completed.

OOC: ^ That's why I didn't post anything :D.

[Lazarus]

OOC: Mkay moving on again.

The blood flow has spread the length of the corridor and while Sunduri is examining the door the traps behind you start to trigger. The wall spikes of the first trap (second if you count the one that was past the dire rats) start their cascade, beyond that you can see the corridor engulfed in flames, and you can just hear the clicks and thunks of more traps beyond. After a minute rather than settling the blood flows back away from you triggering the traps anew.

Lacking any other options Sunduri has time to work on opening the door, he takes out an adamantine tipped drill, and various imlements and cords.

OOC: Opening a magical lock from the wrong side of the door, without any support spells, and only masterwork thieves tools in way of equipment does not make for an easy challange. I'm gonna roll a d20 until 01 or 20 rolls, on a 20 he opens the door, while on a 01 he botches. ((rolling)) And it's a natural 20 on the 4th roll (damn).

Sunduri drills for about 10 minutes above where the key should be while the blood eddies lower around you. Eventually he bores through the tough door and starts carefully threading a hooked cord through while squinting into a little mirror. After a few failed attempts he thinks the hook has latched to the key, he gives a little tug and the key turns in the lock opening the door.

Your back at the junction between the first trap corridor, what smelt like blood to one side, and the poop room. Your senses of smell can't pick up either now past your own stink. The carcase of the plant creature has been chewed on and chunks are missing, Anduril thinks large many legged creatures have crossed from the blood side to the poop side.

OOC: Do you want to investigate the creatures you skipped on the way in or just exit the temple?

[Tiblorian]

OOC: Thanks for the dice loan andy ;)

After replacing the tools in a smooth roll of ram's skin, an exhausted Sunduri declares, "If our spell repertoire is large enough, I suggest we explore the remainder of this temple, as it is not uncommon to find enchanted items which could provide a profit to our adventuring group. While I am tired, I feel as if the possible rewards outway the risks of the many legged creatures Anduril speaks of."

OOC: My internet is now back to normal, so I should be able to post daily again.

[Rommalb]

"I concur, it would be best to eliminate any other threats here lest they devour anymore travellers"

[Xaearth]

"If we do finish exploring, I suggest we do so cautiously... If these many-legged creatures happen to be poisonous, they could prove trouble seeing as how we no longer have the means to restore someone from a weakened state."

[Lazarus]

OOC: Some thin rationalisations there, 'treasure' you've found none in the 90% you've checked (except the artifact), and 'protecting travellers' you're the only people who've been here in centuries or possibly millenia.

OOC: But given that the consensus is to finish your exploration do you want to go back to the poop room to face the many legged crawler things? Or do you want to explore the last unchecked rooms? You're currently between the two options.

[Rommalb]

OOC: I figured given all the blood and ruins there had been at least the occsaional unlucky soul every couple years

[Lazarus]

OOC: I figured given all the blood and ruins there had been at least the occasional unlucky soul every couple years

OOC: Lazarus spent considerable time and resources finding the temple, think dense Amazon rainforest (pre-industrial), with fantasy creatures like house sized Spiders, Dragons, etc. The clearing you arrived in wasn't natural, Lazarus made it. On the other hand now that it's been found, and old lore has been stirred by Lazarus' research others could find the temple. But consider the fact the jungle has it's own dangers, even the empire in its heyday never managed to control any of it.

OOC: Most of what I'm saying here is more player knowledge than character so your not wrong with your comments, Boneclaw would know more about the jungle through his Knowledge Nature, but even for him it's mostly hearsay and conjecture. I won't say more about your whereabouts as the party completely lacks Knowledge History.

OOC: As your taking the source of the blood with you the ecology of the region will shift, without the blood rich waterway things will eventually return to what's 'normal' for the region.

[Tiblorian]

"If there are no disagreements, a timid foray into the remaining areas of the temple will provide experience and information if not any treasure, I would however prefer to make sure that any magic wands or tomes are not left behind."

[Rommalb]

"Heh, whats the matter? You dont trust yourself with whatever dark magic is running this place?"

[Tiblorian]

OOC: I'm sorry but I mistyped that last post. I ment to say(and edited it to say so) not left behind, instead of simply deciding to leave any extra loot behind(which is just plain silly :P)

[Lazarus]

OOC: Back to the question of what you search first, the poop room (where th manylegged went)? Or the unexplored rooms(where the manylegged came from)? You've got about 6 hours than I flip a coin (we've stalled at this point long enough).

[Xaearth]

"Well, when it comes to the decision of which way to search, if we follow the trail of the many-legged creatures into the room we previously explored, there will likely be a fight involved, and, unless we missed something previously, little treasure. On the other hand, if we go into the room they came from, we may stumble upon some treasure or come across their nests, a dangerous place to be should they happen to come back on us in suprise..."

[Tiblorian]

"I suggest we explore the nest area first."

[Lazarus]

OOC: I said I'd be updating hours ago but I got distracted, now it's late and I'm blurry. Sorry for the slowdown I'll try to get a post up first thing in the morning.

[Lazarus]

You start your way towards the 2 unexplored rooms. The first room is thick with animal trash but currently unoccupied, it does indeed look like a probable nest for whatever crossed to the other chamber. Furthur along near the corridors end you can hear running water through the last door. As you approuch the door tentacles whip through to strike at Shannon, and he falls back paralyzed. Whatever it is it's not moving through the doorway, you'll need to move into it's attack range to attack it. It screeches loudly.

Initiative:
Anduril: 6 damage
Araidin:
Creature:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Tytha: 2 damage
Boneclaw:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Shannon: (4 con damage) -paralyzed4

[Xaearth]

Seeing Shannon's condition, Araidin calls upon his divine magic to remove the paralysis.

"Anyone have any clue what that thing was?!?" Araidin shouts.

[Tiblorian]

Sunduri curses in elven and jumps back. Composing himself, the wizard inquires whether he should throw a ball of fire into the room, or cast a transmutation of enhanced speed.

[Lazarus]

OOC: You might want to read back and check which of Sunduri's spells I used while you were away Tibby, he doesn't have many left.

With the paralysis fading Shannon says. "Bug thing, big, bigger than big!"

OOC: The creature is huge, which is part of why it hasn't moved through the 5ft doorway. I'm delaying Andy's action as I have doubts he'd step into such a danger, the creature also delays.

Initiative:
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Tytha: 2 damage
Boneclaw:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Anduril: 6 damage
Shannon: (4 con damage) -prone
Araidin:
Creature: -waiting

[Lazarus]

OOC: I've updated Sunduri's spell list with the used spells crossed out. At the time I was considering it the last room and the most dangerous encounter so I didn't limit which of your spells I used.

[TheDeadOne]

OCC: Thedeadones soul reaches out "Bug thing, big, bigger than big". or "Big pig BIG?"
*personal joke at the GM if he wishes to explain it to you.
:)

[Lazarus]

OCC: Thedeadones soul reaches out "Bug thing, big, bigger than big". or "Big pig BIG?"
*personal joke at the GM if he wishes to explain it to you.
:)

OOC: Good your finally back with us. The 'big pig' was only large, this critter is huge, but yes the 'big pig' incident came to mind when I was typing that post hence the OOC about the size.

OOC: I think I told the tale at some point on the old forum, but I think it was outside the 'Pawns' threads. What happened about 4-5 years ago is my DM sprung a camp encounter of 'big pigs'. For everyone involved except the DM we thought "wild boars" personally I know wild pigs can grow as big as cattle if they live long enough. But by the time characters started getting knocked out, and after a death the DM clarified that they were large Dire Boars, the size of horses. From than on whenever the DM called something 'big' someone would ask the question. "Big or big pig big?"

[Tiblorian]

After recovering from a sudden onset of amnesia, Sunduri realizes he has already casted fireball today, and instead suggests that someone stronger than a weakened wizard lead the attack inside the room.

[Lazarus]

Initiative:
Boneclaw:
Perrin: (Barkskin+4, and Greater Magic Fang+2)
Shannon: (4 con damage) -prone
Anduril: 6 damage
Sunduri: (Weakened -6str)
Tytha: 2 damage
Araidin:
Creature: -waiting

[Nogard]

OOC: If Perrin is in a position from which he can charge the thing:

Boneclaw casts Crabwalk on Perrin and instructs his friend to charge.

OOC: If Perrin is not in a position from which he can charge the thing:

Boneclaw steps into the passageway drawing a piece of quartz from his belt he chants a prayer causing a large spear of ice to manifest in front of him. The spear speeds toward the creature. Boneclaw orders Perrin to attack the creature.

[Rommalb]

OOC: does Tytha have any lesser restores left?